Our Lady of the Rocks

FULFILLING A CENTURIES OLD PROMISE

In the stunning, coastal town of Perast, once a year on the 22nd of July, one of the most unique of Boka Bay’s many traditional celebrations takes place - Fašinada. A procession of boats, strung together and decorated with poplar branches, leaves the town and - laden with rocks - gently winds it’s way toward Gospa od Škrpjela - Our Lady of the Rocks Island. Carrying only the local priests and the descendants of the most influential of Perasts citizens and ancient seafarers, the procession makes it’s way to fulfil an unwritten promise made centuries ago by the sailors and fisherman that lived along the shores of Boka Bay.

THE NAME ‘FAŠINADA’ COMES FROM THE ITALIAN WORD ‘FASCIA’ - MEANING BINDING

To understand the significance of this charming cultural tradition, we must travel back to the 15th Century, where it is said that two local fisherman - The Martešić brothers - discovered an icon of the Virgin and Christ on a rocky crag, jutting upwards from the sea near St Georges Island. Taking this as a sign of Gods favour the local fishermen began to drop large rocks at the site. They were soon joined by others in the town, who would sail out and sink rocks and even the wrecks of old boats, forming the island that stands there today and the foundations for the church that would be built as a sign of the gratitude of the local residents.

Over the centuries, before venturing out on a long voyage, local seafarers would sail to the island and drop rocks into the sea, fortifying and strengthening the foundations of the church that was built in it’s place towards the end of the 15th Century, and bringing good luck and fortune to the sailors themselves. It is thought that this custom was the inspiration for the Fašinada tradition seen today.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ROCKS

The church that now stands on the island was first built in the mid 1600’s and steadily grew over the next century to include a large circular bell tower, many beautiful murals and a stunning marble altar, above which hangs an image of the Virgin Mary and Christ, as a reminder of the icon that lead to the conception of the island and church.

The church is of particular importance, in part due to the many artefacts that can be found within. Inside there are 68 paintings by the artist Tripo Kokolja - one of the most famous and important 17th century Baroque artists - and a resident of Perast.

The church is now one of the most popular attractions in Montenegro and draws visitors from all over the world. Guided tours are offered through both the museum and the church.

The church itself is filled with almost 3,000 silver votives - offerings made to protect sailors before a long voyage and by the sick, in the hopes that their prayers would be answered and their illness cured.

One of the most impressive works on show is an incredible embroidered tapestry by Jacinta Kunić - an artist from Perast - who, while waiting for the safe return of her seafaring husband, created the tapestry from golden and silver thread.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful pieces of needlework in all of Montenegro this incredible tapestry has become the stuff of legend. It is said that it took her over 25 years to finish, while she waited for her lost sailor to return and contains strands of her own hair, intertwined with the silver and gold thread. By the time it was finished Jacinta had completely lost her vision!

The Fašinada Regatta - KEEPING THE SEAFARING TRADITION ALIVE!

Today, if you want to see the Fašinada celebrations then you must travel to the town of Perast on the 22nd of July. As part of the festivities, for many years now, an international sailing regatta has been held in the Bay, as a nod to the immutable Perast traditions of sailing and seafaring, and another example of the unshakeable connection between the people of Boka and the sea! The regatta brings together teams of sailors from Montenegro, Europe and many other parts of the world to compete for the Fašinada Cup and prove their prowess on the sea! The 17th Fašinada cup will take place on 21st & 22nd of July, 2022 in the Bay of Kotor - sailing on the first day from Perast to Tivat and back to Perast on day 2. Around 200 competitors are expected to take part!