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 .

The post Kotor’s Costume Party: The International Summer Carnival 2019 appeared first on Cattaro Hotel.

We recently celebrated Kotor’s world-famous Winter Carnival, a day of masquerades, costumes, music, performances and more taking place through the Old Town’s streets. Carnival has largely remained the same for its over 500 years of existence, aside from the expected contemporary additions such as DJs and special Instagram moments.

Carnival draws locals and visitors of all ages, and it’s the most well-known and highly-anticipated event in Boka Bay.

Winter Carnival 2019

This year, just as for the majority of the more than half millennium of the carnival’s history, the event commenced with a flag-raising ceremony in St. Tryphon Square, lifting Kotor’s banner into the morning sky. It’s the square of the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of Kotor. Construction on this marvelous wonder began in 1124, and the church was consecrated in 1166.

The flag-raising ceremony was followed by the international procession and children’s masquerade (a costume parade of performances, fun for the entire family and onlookers of all ages). Afterwards, the festivities stretched on throughout the day.

As per tradition, the night before was the Masquerade Celebration, with revelers meandering the Old Town’s cobblestone -covered streets for a night of music, dancing, drinks and celebrations. Many Masquerade-goers spend significant amounts of time creating original costumes of their own and many decide to go out as groups in themed attire. It’s a jovial atmosphere in a unique location- one that shouldn’t be missed!

Join Us for Summer Carnival August 2019

Considering how long Winter Carnival has been around, you may be surprised to learn Summer Carnival is significantly newer. The summertime celebration made its debut 18 years ago to grant more visitors the opportunity to attend the event.

Kotor’s Old Town is dedicated to cultural events and the arts for virtually the entire summer. There’s the two-week long Kotor Festival of Theatre for Children with theatrical and musical performances on the Old Town’s walls, in Old Town city venues and in the squares… there’s Kotor Art with everything from performances by opera singers and classical musicians to jazz musicians and more popular music fare… the city of Kotor literally transforms into a theater, conjuring stories of Ancient Rome.

The weather is right, the Adriatic Sea is ripe for swimming and the city plays host to visitors from all around the world. It’s no wonder our hotel is typically fully-booked well in advance!

Experience Summer Carnival for yourself; book early to secure a room. Visit alone, with friends and family– or for a romantic getaway for two. Our attentive, friendly staff is here to help you create a set of wonderful new memories. Immerse yourself in the history, culture and splendor of Kotor and its fjord-like bay.

Call or email us today: +382 32 311 000 | +382 67 209 847 | +382 67 209 847 (Viber) | CattaroHotel@t-com.me .

The post A Carnival Celebration Over 500 Years in the Making appeared first on Cattaro Hotel.