If you’re planning to visit Kotor this season, many wonderful adventures still await! The next local tradition on the calendar is the closing of the annual summer carnival, taking place on Saturday, the 3rd of August. The city transforms into one big celebration – and costume party – for this very special tradition, with plenty of surprises along the way…

Credit: Total Montenegro News

Over Half a Millennium of Tradition

Even if a city as old as Kotor, the fact that our festival is over 500 years old is still incredible! How much have the lives of everyone around the world and everyone in our city has changed and evolved over the years, and yet this amazing tradition still holds on. We’re so thankful for that. While it’s a local tradition, it’s for everyone to enjoy, with numerous visitors from across the country, the region and around the world returning throughout the years to revel in the celebrations (some participating in the costume troops themselves).

Photo Credit: Itinari

Costumed Carnival Troops

The all-day affair begins with a costume parade of “masked” carnival troops. Expect to see costumed groups in colorful, nature-inspired costumes, satirical dress, pop culture references, local references and more. Each group is unique and the intricacy and cleverness of their costumes is not to be missed. To the surprise of many visitors, these costumed troops consistent of everyone from babies in strollers to energy-filled, dancing, local retirees. The size of the each troupe also tends to surprise, with some featuring dozens of people in the same or similar attire. 

Credit: Itinari

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Cue the nightife… the bars and restaurants of Kotor’s Old Town light up with music, dining and dancing. Local DJs and special guest singers and bands entertain dancefloors of partygoers. For those who would rather take it all in from the sidelines, there are beautiful outdoor patios all around the city to sit and sip wine from a romantic side street or busy square.

Many people wear costumes to go out this evening, whether they participated in the costume parade or not. Though costumes are optional, they account for much of the fun- so call your friends and family, choose a theme you all love and come to celebrate as we’ve done for hundreds of years! No time to plan a theme? Our city is filled with charming shops offering the romantic, Venetian-style carnival masks of our tradition. We hope to see you there!

After the Celebrations

Of course there will be plenty to do here in Kotor on Sunday too. Have a relaxing stroll around town with the family, browse the traditional souvenir shops and head over to one of the local beaches here in Kotor or at one of the seaside fishing villages in the Boka Bay region. This area has plenty to explore, excellent restaurants, sightseeing and more. Let us know what kind of holiday you’re looking for, and we’ll take care of the rest. 

Wondering where to stay in Kotor? Look no further than Cattaro Hotel. Sleep in a piece of history, in the unique, UNESCO-protected Old Town of Kotor. The Cattaro Hotel complex has much to offer – including two dining establishments, a pub, the internationally-acclaimed nightclub, Maximus, a fitness center and more. For a holiday to remember, call or email us today: +382 32 311 000 | +382 67 209 847 | +382 67 209 847 (Viber) | CattaroHotel@t-com.me .