Christmas in Montenegro: Customs & Traditions

Christmas in Montenegro is a time for family, friends, tradition, and of course, delicious food. With a laid-back atmosphere that permeates the entire country, the festive season in Montenegro offers a refreshing change from the hectic Christmas shopping that often characterizes the holiday in other parts of the world.

One of the unique aspects of Montenegro’s Christmas celebration is that there are actually two Christmases to enjoy – December 25th for the Catholic Montenegrins and January 7th for the Christian Orthodox Montenegrins. Regardless of the date, the celebrations revolve around cherished traditions that honor both family and community.
One central aspect of Montenegrin Christmas traditions is the Badnjak or Yule log. On Christmas Eve, men venture into the woods to find the perfect oak tree, which will later be lit in a bonfire in front of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church and Serbian Orthodox Church’s main temples. Friends and family gather to celebrate and light up the Badnjak trees, creating a warm and memorable experience for all.
Christmas in Montenegro

Christmas is a special time in Montenegro, celebrated with unique traditions that are steeped in history. In this beautiful country, there are actually two Christmas holidays observed – December 25th for Catholic Montenegrins and January 7th for Christian Orthodox Montenegrins. Regardless of the date, you’ll find the customs to be similar and deeply rooted.
One essential element of Montenegrin Christmas is the yule log, or “badnjak.” On Christmas Eve, male family members embark on an early morning search for the perfect oak tree to serve as their badnjak. Oak is the most commonly used tree in Montenegro for this purpose.
Another endearing tradition in Montenegro is the bonfire. Organized by the Montenegrin Orthodox Church and Serbian Orthodox Church, large bonfires are set up in front of their main temples. On Christmas Eve, people gather around these bonfires, lighting their badnjak trees and celebrating with friends and family.
During the Christmas season, Montenegro lights up with festive activities. You can indulge in the atmosphere of the Kotor Christmas Market, glide around the Podgorica Ice Skating Rink, or explore the Christmas Piazzetta in Budva. For those seeking adventure, a ski trip in Montenegro’s mountains is also a wonderful option.
As a visitor in Montenegro during Christmas, you’ll have the chance to experience delicious local cuisine. Be sure to savor traditional Montenegrin dishes and immerse yourself in the joy of Balkan music during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
So, when you find yourself celebrating Christmas in Montenegro, embrace their customs and dive into the traditions that make this holiday season unforgettable. You won’t be disappointed!
Religious Significance

In Montenegro, Christmas holds great importance for the Christian community, especially for Orthodox Christians. The Orthodox Church celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on the 7th of January, following the old Julian Calendar. During this festive season, you’ll witness a blend of ancient traditions and religious customs honoring the Nativity.
Advent, the period of preparation leading up to Christmas, begins on the 28th of November and lasts for six weeks in the Orthodox Church. Some devout believers observe the Advent fast, abstaining from food derived from animals, like meat, milk, and eggs.
On Christmas Eve, Montenegrins gather with their families to celebrate the occasion. A crucial element of this tradition is the badnjak, a young oak tree branch, symbolizing the wood used to warm baby Jesus in the stable. Families usually light the badnjak on a bonfire, evoking the light and warmth that Christ is believed to have brought into the world.
Apart from the badnjak ceremony, Montenegrins also participate in the Nativity service at their local churches, where they joyously sing “Christ is born!” to spread the message of Jesus’ arrival. Epiphany, the manifestation of Christ to the Magi (the three wise men), is celebrated on January 19th, marking the end of the Christmas season.
Throughout the Christmas festivities, you’ll experience the spirit of peace, joy, and love that connects Montenegrin Christians to their religious roots. In the midst of the celebrations, don’t forget the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Christ and the importance of love and togetherness.
Date Discrepancies

In Montenegro, you get to experience not one but two Christmases! Christmas Day is celebrated on two different dates because of the coexistence of two dominant religions in the country. About 4% of the people in Montenegro are Catholics and over 90% are Orthodox Christians, which means they follow their respective Christmas customs.
Catholic Montenegrins, like most Western countries, celebrate Christmas on December 25th, following the Gregorian calendar. On the other hand, Orthodox Montenegrins use the Julian calendar for their religious celebrations and observe Christmas on January 7th.
Although the dates for Christmas Day are different, the customs of both religious communities still share many similarities. For instance, both celebrations revolve around the importance of family, friends, and food. So no matter when you’re celebrating in Montenegro, you’ll still get to relish in the true spirit of Christmas alongside loved ones.
It’s interesting to note that while the dates of Christmas are not the same for these two religious communities, the celebrations still maintain a harmonious atmosphere. People come together to take part in festivities such as the Kotor Christmas Market, Podgorica Ice Skating Rink, Christmas Piazzetta in Budva, and ski trips in Montenegro’s mountains.
Overall, both the December 25th and January 7th Christmases in Montenegro are focused on traditions, family bonding, and good food, showcasing the country’s cultural diversity and inclusive nature during the festive season.
Pre-Christmas Fasting

Before Montenegrins dive into the joyful Christmas celebrations, there’s a time of preparation and contemplation, known as the Nativity Fast. This practice holds a special place in the hearts of Orthodox Christians.
The Nativity Fast takes place throughout December and lasts until Christmas. It originated among monks who used to fast during this time to prepare for the birth of Christ. Interestingly, the tradition of Orthodox Nativity Fast and Catholic and Lutheran Advent used to be the same, but they evolved differently over time.
During this fasting period, you’ll observe certain dietary restrictions to cleanse your body and soul. Xerophagy, or the restriction of certain food groups, plays a significant role in this fast. You’ll mainly consume plant-based foods, avoiding meat, dairy, and eggs.
The fasting practice varies among individuals – some might choose to follow strict xerophagy, while others may take a more relaxed approach. Regardless of the method, the primary purpose of the fast is to foster spiritual growth and self-discipline.
So, as you prepare to celebrate Christmas in Montenegro, take a moment to appreciate the rich tradition of pre-Christmas fasting. It’s a beautiful way to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday and enhance your connection to the divine.
Badnjak Tradition

Montenegro has some unique Christmas traditions that you’ll surely enjoy learning about! One such tradition revolves around the Badnjak, also known as the “Christmas Eve tree.” The Badnjak is an oak tree, and it plays a significant role in Montenegrin Christmas celebrations.
On Christmas Eve morning, it’s customary for men to venture into the woods and cut down a Badnjak, their very own Yule log. With more people now living in towns and cities, it’s become common to buy a Badnjak from the local market instead. The chosen log symbolizes the tree that the shepherds brought to the cave where Jesus was born and the one from which the cross on which Christ was crucified was made.
As evening falls on Christmas Eve, the Badnjak becomes the centerpiece of gatherings and celebrations. Families traditionally bring their Badnjak into the house, where it’s meant to burn throughout the evening and night, providing warmth and light to usher in the joyous holiday.
In addition to home celebrations, you might also find lively gatherings around large bonfires outside of churches. These bonfires represent communal Badnjak, and early Christmas Eve evening is the perfect time to join in with the revelry. You may even come across nativity and Christmas plays performed either outside or inside the churches, making for a truly memorable holiday experience.
So, when you think about Montenegrin Christmas traditions, keep the Badnjak in mind. It brings people together, warms cold winter nights, and serves as a beautiful reminder of the reason behind the season. Enjoy your Montenegrin Christmas journey!
Food and Feasting

When you think of Christmas in Montenegro, it’s all about the food! You can’t miss out on the delicious dishes that are traditionally prepared and shared among family and friends during the festive season.
Christmas Eve holds special significance, as families prepare an assortment of food, including potatoes, rice, and fish. One of the most beloved dishes on this night is priganice, deep-fried dough balls that are often served with honey or jam.
As for Christmas Day, it’s time for a hearty feast! You’ll find that roast pork, lamb, and veal are quite popular, often accompanied by a mouth-watering stew and braised cabbage. Try the česnica, a traditional Christmas bread that is broken and shared among the family. It’s baked with a coin inside, and whoever find the coin in their slice is said to have a lucky and prosperous year ahead.
During the Christmas celebrations, your taste buds are bound to go on a delightful journey, as you savor dishes like pecenica, a succulent roast meat, and indulge in a variety of sweet treats, such as cakes, strudels, and baklava. In many households, you’ll come across panettone, a Christmas cake filled with dried fruits, as well as the much-loved Russian salad.
Aside from the scrumptious food, you can expect a generous array of snacks that might include prosciutto, walnuts, and more. To wash it all down, don’t forget to toast with some homemade rakija, a fruit brandy that’s quite popular in Montenegro.
In a nutshell, Montenegro is a delightful destination if you are a food lover, and the delicious, traditional Christmas feasts are sure to leave you craving more. So, when next Christmas comes around, be prepared to dive into the rich variety of savory and sweet dishes that the beautiful country of Montenegro has in store for you.
Family and Community

Christmas in Montenegro is all about spending time with your family and friends, bonding over delicious feasts, and embracing centuries-old customs. In both the bustling city streets and the beautiful countryside, Montenegrins come together to celebrate their unique Christmas traditions.
Over the festive season, schools, businesses, and public administrations close so everyone can fully immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. As family members gather in their homes, several generations come together, uniting young and old, to create special memories that will last a lifetime.
The festive table is the centerpiece of any Montenegrin Christmas celebration. Families serve a wide array of traditional dishes, and during the meal, laughter and loving conversations fill the air. Montenegrin customs often include a 40-day fast preceding Christmas, which makes everyone eagerly anticipate this mouthwatering feast.
On the other hand, community plays a vital role in Montenegrin Christmas as well. Many Montenegrins head to their local churches for Christmas Eve services, fostering a sense of togetherness and unity. Friends and neighbors often exchange small gifts and warm wishes during this time, spreading goodwill and holiday cheer.
So, during Montenegro’s Christmas celebrations, cherish the time you spend with your nearest and dearest, from the serenity of the countryside to the joy that fills city streets. As you experience these unique traditions, you’ll truly feel the spirit of Christmas in Montenegro.
Customs and Rituals

In Montenegro, Christmas is celebrated with a mix of interesting and unique customs and rituals. Family, friends, and good food are the heart of these celebrations. No matter if you’re Catholic or Christian Orthodox, you’ll find many common traditions between the two.
One of the essential traditions in Montenegro is the Badnjak or Yule Log. On Christmas Eve, male family members go out early in the morning to look for an oak tree, which will be used as the Yule Log. When the sun goes down, the men bring the logs indoors, greeting the family with “Good evening and merry Christmas Eve,” to which the women respond with “thank you” and sprinkle their heads with rice or wheat. A few drops of wine are poured over the logs before they are set ablaze in the fireplace.
Another cherished ritual is the preparation of a special Christmas bread called Česnica. This bread contains a carefully hidden coin that signifies prosperity for the one who finds it in their slice. As you gather with your loved ones around the table for the Christmas meal, the bread is ceremoniously broken and shared, ensuring a bonding moment for everyone.
Bonfires are another essential element of Montenegrin Christmas celebrations. Organized by the Montenegrin Orthodox Church and the Serbian Orthodox Church, large bonfires are set up outside their main temples. People gather early in the evening on Christmas Eve to celebrate and light up the Badnjak trees.
As you walk around Montenegrin towns during Christmas time, you’ll notice beautiful Christmas tree cribs on display, elaborately decorated with bay leaves, candles, and hyacinth flowers. Midnight Mass is also held in churches for those who want to experience a spiritual moment.
On Christmas Day, a special guest called the Polaznik visits Montenegrin homes to bring good luck and blessings. Traditionally an animal, like a chicken or a sheep, is sacrificed in their honor. Of course, like many other places, Santa Claus makes his appearance, bringing gifts and joy to kids and spreading the festive spirit.
Indulging in delicious local delicacies like Sarma (cabbage rolls stuffed with ground meat and rice), as well as engaging in activities like attending the Kotor Christmas Market and ice-skating in Podgorica, are some of the ways to immerse yourself in Montenegrin Christmas cheer. Don’t forget to learn the traditional Montenegrin Christmas greeting: “Hristos se rodi” (Christ is born) and its response, “Vaistinu se rodi” (Indeed, He is born), to truly feel part of the celebration!
Orthodox Churches in Montenegro

In Montenegro, there are two main Orthodox Churches: the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Montenegrin Orthodox Church. Both churches follow the Eastern Orthodox Church traditions and celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar, which means Christmas Eve falls on January 6th and Christmas Day on January 7th.
During the season of Advent, which begins on November 28th and lasts for six weeks, you’ll find many Orthodox believers in Montenegro participating in a period of fasting. They abstain from consuming animal products such as meat, milk, and eggs, as a way to prepare spiritually for the celebration of Christmas.
The Serbian Orthodox Church and the Montenegrin Orthodox Church each have their own magnificent cathedrals where Christmas services are held. On Christmas Eve, you’ll witness large bonfires being lit outside these cathedrals, symbolizing the warmth and light of Christmas.
Apart from attending church services, Montenegrin families gather to share festive meals and uphold traditions passed down through generations. One such tradition is the preparation of Cesnica, a round bread made specially for Christmas. This bread often contains a hidden coin, and it’s believed that finding it brings good luck for the coming year.
In Montenegro, Christmas greetings are exchanged with the phrases “Hristos se rodi” (Christ is born) and the reply “Vaistinu se rodi” (Truly born). So, when you’re celebrating Christmas in Montenegro, you can join in the joy and warmth by wishing your fellow Orthodox Christians a merry Christmas in their own language!
Cultural and Regional Influences

The charm of Montenegro’s Christmas traditions can be better understood when you take a look at the cultural and regional influences that shape them. Montenegro is a Balkan country, and its festivities are deeply rooted in the traditions of the Balkan Peninsula, which is also shared with neighboring countries like Serbia and other European nations.
In Montenegro, you’ll find a blend of Catholic and Orthodox Christian traditions, which further contribute to the uniqueness of the celebrations. The Catholic community in Montenegro constitutes about 4% of the population, and they celebrate Christmas on December 25th. On the other hand, more than 90% of people in Montenegro are Orthodox Christians, and they observe Christmas on January 7th according to the Julian calendar.
Balkan music is another significant aspect of Montenegrin culture that adds a lively atmosphere to the celebrations. The music during Christmas is characterized by robust rhythms and traditional instruments, like the gusle and tamburica, which can be heard throughout the holiday season, bringing people together in joy and high spirits.
Also, Montenegrin Christmas celebrations emphasize the importance of family, friends, and traditions. It’s all about spending time with your loved ones, creating happy memories that last a lifetime. Though the dates may differ between the Catholic and Orthodox communities, most customs remain familiar, such as feasting on scrumptious traditional dishes, attending midnight Holly Mass or church services, and participating in local events like the Kotor Christmas Market or the Podgorica Ice Skating Rink.
Indeed, the rich cultural tapestry of Montenegro, with influences from the Balkans and greater Europe, plays a significant role in shaping the Christmas traditions that locals cherish and visitors adore. As you experience Montenegro’s Christmas festivities, you can enjoy an authentic celebration of the season’s spirit while appreciating the diverse heritage that makes it all possible.