Fašinada Perast

Fašinada Perast

Fašinada Perast: view of the convoy with adorned vessels

Fašinada in Perast: a convoy of adorned vessels

The Fašinada is an annual traditional event held in the picturesque town of Perast, Montenegro, every July 22nd. This unique ceremony involves the local community gathering to deposit stones around the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, thereby helping to preserve the island’s structure. This tradition, deeply rooted in the town’s history, sees participation exclusively from men who perform this task to the accompaniment of traditional folk songs. Remarkably, this custom has been continuously observed for over 500 years, enduring through wars, natural disasters like earthquakes, and even the recent global pandemic.

The event draws attention not just from the locals of the Bay of Kotor but also attracts tourists, highlighting its significance as a cultural and tourist attraction. Recognizing its cultural value, in 2013, the tradition of Fašinada was officially declared a part of Montenegro’s intangible cultural heritage. Moreover, the Fašinada Cup, a sailing competition, is organized around this time by the Lahor Sailing Club from Kotor, further celebrating the event.

The name “Fašinada” originates from the Italian word “fascia,” meaning “band” or “bandage,” a nod to the practice of tying boats together as they carry stones to the island, adorned with branches of common ash. This ritual is not just for tradition’s sake but serves a practical purpose. The sea’s erosion, especially during winter, necessitates these annual reinforcements to ensure the island’s stability.

Our Lady of the Rocks stands as the Mediterranean’s sole artificially created island, with a history steeped in legend and tradition. It is said that on July 22, 1452, the discovery of an icon of the Virgin Mary floating near a crag led the local Martešić brothers to initiate the creation of the island. This was seen as a divine sign, leading to the gradual construction of an island and eventually a church dedicated to Our Lady, involving the sinking of old ships and boulders as foundation. The island and its church have since faced numerous challenges, including earthquakes and attacks but have been rebuilt and preserved as symbols of the community’s resilience and devotion.

The Fašinada ceremony commences with locals forming a convoy of boats at sunset, filled with stones and adorned with greenery. Led by a boat carrying the pastor and notable citizens of Perast, this flotilla sails towards Our Lady of the Rocks, culminating in the stones’ deposition to reinforce the island. The event concludes with a communal dinner on the island, underscoring the community’s bond and commitment to this age-old tradition.

This event not only commemorates the historical and cultural legacy of Perast and its people but also symbolizes the enduring spirit of community and faith that defines this enchanting part of Montenegro.

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