Fašinada - Our Lady of the Rocks Procession

Fašinada is one of the oldest surviving maritime traditions in the Bay of Kotor, held each year on 22 July in Perast. The event commemorates the founding of the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks — according to tradition, local sailors built up the artificial island over centuries by dropping a stone into the bay each time they returned safely from the sea. Fašinada continues this ritual each year with a procession of decorated boats carrying stones out to the island.

The procession

On the evening of 22 July, the waterfront of Perast fills with boats decorated with flags and greenery. Townspeople and visitors board the boats and set out across the bay towards the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, where they throw stones into the water around the island — symbolically continuing the centuries-old act of building up the reef. The procession is accompanied by music, and the atmosphere is festive rather than strictly solemn.

After the procession, celebrations continue on the waterfront with live music, folk performances, and gatherings along Perast’s stone-paved promenade. The evening light on the bay at this time of year makes the event particularly atmospheric.

Significance and history

Our Lady of the Rocks was founded following a reported apparition in 1452. The ritual of throwing stones into the bay around the island is documented back several centuries, making Fašinada one of the longest-running continuous community traditions in the region. The church on the island houses an important collection of votive offerings and religious paintings, including works by local craftswomen — a museum on the island is open to visitors outside of the event itself.

Practical information

Perast is a small town on the western shore of the Bay of Kotor, approximately 15 kilometres from Kotor by road. Bus connections from Kotor and Herceg Novi pass through. The town has limited accommodation; many visitors base themselves in Kotor (around 30 minutes away) or along the bay.

On 22 July, Perast’s waterfront becomes very crowded. Arriving in the afternoon before the procession begins allows time to find a position with a clear view of the bay. Boat participation in the procession is typically reserved for local families and community members — visitors watch from the shore.

The event is free to observe. Dress casually but appropriately for an event with a religious dimension.