Traditions & Customs

Krsna Slava — The Family Celebration

The Slava is the most important holiday for every Montenegrin (Orthodox) family: the day of the patron saint, passed down from generation to generation. On this day, family and friends gather, a special bread (slavski kolač) is broken, wheat (koljivo) is cooked, and there is feasting and drinking at the table. Each family has its own Slava day — if you are invited, it is a great honor. UNESCO has recognized the Krsna Slava as an intangible cultural heritage.

Rakija — More Than Schnapps

Rakija (fruit brandy, usually made from grapes, plums, or pears) is the national drink and a social lubricant. Every family distills its own Rakija, and the quality is a source of family pride. Rakija is offered at breakfast, during greetings, at celebrations, and at funerals. Declining is possible, but accepting a glass shows respect. Caution: Homemade Rakija often has 40–50% alcohol — although it tastes smooth.

Montenegrin Weddings

Montenegrin weddings are grand events with 200–500 guests, sometimes lasting several days. Traditionally, celebrations take place in front of the bride's house, with shots fired into the air (out of joy, not aggression), folk dances (oro), and enormous amounts of food and Rakija. In the mountains, some weddings are still celebrated according to old clan traditions. If you happen to pass by a Montenegrin wedding, you might be invited — accept, it will be an unforgettable experience.

Oro — The Circle Dance

The Oro (circle dance) is the traditional Montenegrin folk dance — a chain of dancers holding hands and dancing in a circle to folk music. At festivals and weddings, the Oro is danced spontaneously, and everyone is invited to join in. The tempo increases, the steps become more complex, and in the end, everyone dances to exhaustion. A wonderful communal experience that connects strangers and locals.