The vibrant winter carnival festivities in Kotor concluded on January 7, 2024, with a grand parade and the traditional trial and burning of the carnival figure, Miron Tribulus, known as Pirun. This year’s celebrations reaffirmed Kotor’s reputation as a hub for cultural heritage, showcasing a rich tradition that emphasizes satire, creativity, and community spirit.
Led by the enchanting queen, Tea Grgurović, the event featured 22 carnival groups, presenting an array of imaginative and playful costumes from Kotor, Budva, and Herceg Novi. The presence of guests from Bela Crkva and Leskovac added a special charm to the festivities, highlighting the strength of regional cooperation through cultural exchange.
The parade included performances from local music bands, majorettes such as “Fešta” and “Alisa” from Kotor, as well as groups from Tivat and Herceg Novi, alongside residents from the elderly home “Grabovac” in Risno. The youngest participants, typically the most numerous and joyous segment of the carnival procession, included children from local kindergartens and students from primary and secondary schools.
The carnival jury, composed of President Vlasta Mandić and members Brano Maslovar and Dragana Mršulja, made key decisions regarding the awards for the best performances. The jury bestowed special recognitions to various groups, celebrating creativity and enthusiasm.
The award for the most cheerful carnival group went to Primary School “Savo Ilić” for their mask “Kockalend,” while the prize for the most imaginative mask was awarded to the Parents’ Council of Primary School “Njegoš” for “Svi na banj.” The third place was claimed by Leskovac Carnival with their mask “Moonlight Shadow,” followed by JPU “Radost,” which took second place with “Bolesnik na tri sprata.” The top honor went to OJU “Muzeji” for their mask “Baština nije scenografija.”
The closing evening on the bustling Trg od oružja was filled with energy as the group The Grupe and Bruno Rački along with the band “Valovi” entertained the crowd, ensuring a lively finish to the carnival festivities.
The Traditional Winter Kotor Carnival was organized by the Cultural Centre “Nikola Đurković” Kotor, in collaboration with the Kotor Tourist Organization, and was supported by the Municipality of Kotor. The golden sponsor for this year’s event was the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, with additional support from various local businesses and media outlets including RTCG, PRVA TELEVIZIJA, and PLAY RADIO.
As Kotor wraps up another successful carnival, the event stands as a testament to the town’s enduring traditions and the vibrant spirit of its community, drawing attendees from near and far to celebrate culture, creativity, and camaraderie.
