This is a custom called “Fasinada” which is unique to the town of Perast as  well as to the whole Mediterranean coast. The inhabitants of Perast commemorate the year 1452 when an icon of the Virgin was found on a small crag in the sea and the construction of the island of Our Lady of the Rock began. Every year, at sunset on 22nd July, a procession of little boats, laden with rocks, row out from Perast to the picturesque island church, Our Lady of the Rocks, in the middle of beautiful Bay of Kotor. As the bells toll, the rocks are dropped into the sea. The custom has both symbolic and practical meaning. Adding rocks reinforces the island which is constantly washed and eroded by the sea.  The simplicity of the occasion, striped of all elements of folklore, evokes the memory of the centuries-long efforts that were needed to build, from a small crag (skrpjel), this little island with its lovely church.

After the boats dock on the island, the celebration continues on the island, where visitors can enjoy the sounds of the Mediterranean music and taste specialties of the local cuisine.

Take the opportunity to watch the two-day Fašinada Regatta, which takes place between Perast in the inner bay and the new Porto Montenegro yachts marine at Tivat in the outer bay.