Culture & Society

Montenegrins are reputed to be proud, hospitable, and relaxed — and all three traits are true. The mentality is shaped by mountain culture, clan tradition, and the centuries-long struggle for independence.

Čojstvo i Junaštvo — Honor and Heroism

The concept of “Čojstvo i Junaštvo” (literally: Humanity and Heroism) is the moral compass of Montenegrin society. It combines personal honor, bravery, generosity towards guests, and protection of the weak. A Montenegrin man (traditionally) is judged by this code — not by his wealth. This is reflected in everyday life with unwavering hospitality: Anyone who enters a Montenegrin home is fed, served Rakija, and treated like a family member. To turn away or mistreat a guest is a serious affront to honor.

The Montenegrin “Laziness”

Montenegrins love to joke about their own alleged laziness — and there are even the humorous “10 Commandments of Montenegrin Laziness” (e.g., “Lie down instead of standing, sleep instead of lying down”). In reality, this “laziness” is a philosophy of life: enjoying the moment, refusing to be rushed, and believing that work should serve life — not the other way around. Anyone passing by a Montenegrin café will see men sitting for hours over a coffee, discussing. This is not idleness — it is the art of living.

Religious Diversity

Montenegro is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the Balkans: about 72% are Serbian Orthodox, 19% Muslim (mainly Bosniaks and Albanians in the south and east), and a small Catholic minority lives on the coast. This diversity is remarkably peaceful: In Kotor, Orthodox and Catholic churches stand side by side, in Ulcinj mosques next to churches. Religious tolerance is a legacy of Montenegrin history — and a source of pride for the population.

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.

Montenegrin — One Language, Many Names

The official language has been Montenegrin since 2007 — linguistically, it is practically identical to Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian. The differences are minimal (comparable to the differences between German, Austrian, and Swiss German). Montenegrins use both the Latin and Cyrillic scripts — in everyday life, the Latin script dominates, but street signs and official documents often show both.

Useful Phrases

Foreign Language Skills

In tourist areas (coast, Kotor, Budva), many people speak English, especially the younger generation. In hotels and restaurants along the coast, English is standard. German is less spoken than in Croatia, but some older Montenegrins (guest worker generation) understand it. In the hinterland and smaller towns, foreign language skills are less common — here a smile, gestures, and a few words of Montenegrin help enormously. Italian is more commonly understood on the coast, especially in Kotor and Herceg Novi, than German.