Montenegro Public Holidays
Montenegro Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Montenegro? All public holidays in Montenegro are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Montenegro employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Montenegro and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description
New Year’s Day in Montenegro, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. The day is celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and celebrations across the country. People in Montenegro typically spend the day with close friends and family, reflecting on the past year and celebrating the new year with hopes for a fresh start. Fireworks, music, and street parties are common in urban areas such as Podgorica, where the new year is often welcomed with vibrant celebrations.
The holiday also has a religious aspect for many, as church services are held to mark the beginning of the new year. It is a day for relaxation, and many businesses, government offices, and schools remain closed to give people the chance to enjoy their time off with family and friends.
Duration
New Year’s Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Montenegro.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses are closed, except for essential services.
Orthodox New Year (January 14)
Description
Orthodox New Year, also known as the Old New Year, is celebrated by Montenegrin Orthodox Christians on January 14th. This holiday follows the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar. While it is not as widely celebrated as New Year’s Day, Orthodox New Year still holds cultural and religious significance in Montenegro.
Orthodox New Year is typically marked by gatherings with family and friends, feasts, and religious observances. In Orthodox Christian communities, church services are held to welcome the new year and seek blessings for the coming months. In some regions of Montenegro, traditional music and dancing are part of the celebration, and people also exchange wishes for health and prosperity in the year ahead.
Duration
Orthodox New Year is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Orthodox Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Statehood Day (May 21)
Description
Statehood Day, observed on May 21st, commemorates the day in 2006 when Montenegro declared independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. This day marks Montenegro’s official separation and its emergence as an independent nation after more than a century of union with Serbia.
Statehood Day is celebrated as a national holiday, and it is a day of reflection on Montenegro’s history and progress since gaining independence. The holiday is marked by official ceremonies, speeches by government officials, and celebrations throughout the country. Military parades, cultural performances, and events showcasing Montenegrin traditions are also common. People celebrate the country’s independence, sovereignty, and national pride.
Duration
Statehood Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Montenegro.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Labour Day (May 1)
Description
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is an international holiday honoring workers and their contributions to society. In Montenegro, Labour Day is recognized with parades, public demonstrations, and speeches advocating for workers’ rights, better wages, and improved working conditions. It is a day for workers to unite, reflect on their rights, and push for progress in labor-related issues.
In Montenegro, political parties, unions, and workers’ organizations often organize marches or rallies on Labour Day. It is also a day when many people take time off work to enjoy a long weekend, often spending time outdoors or with family. It is a day of solidarity, activism, and rest for Montenegrins.
Duration
Labour Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, particularly workers and union members.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Independence Day (July 13)
Description
Independence Day in Montenegro is celebrated on July 13th, marking the day in 2006 when Montenegro became an independent nation after a referendum in which 55.5% of voters chose independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. This holiday commemorates the historic moment when Montenegro regained full sovereignty after centuries of foreign rule and years of union with Serbia.
Independence Day is celebrated with national pride through a series of official ceremonies, speeches, and public events. It is a day for Montenegrins to reflect on their independence, progress, and sovereignty. National parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and traditional music fill the streets of cities like Podgorica and Kotor, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the country.
Duration
Independence Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Montenegro.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Assumption Day (August 15)
Description
Assumption Day is a religious holiday observed by Catholics in Montenegro, particularly those of the Roman Catholic faith. The day commemorates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. Assumption Day is celebrated with religious services, particularly at churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, such as those in the coastal towns of Montenegro.
In Montenegro, the holiday is celebrated with church services and processions. In some towns, people may participate in special Masses, where prayers and hymns are offered in honor of the Virgin Mary. Although Assumption Day is primarily a religious observance, it is also an occasion for Montenegrins to come together with their communities and reflect on faith, family, and tradition.
Duration
Assumption Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Catholics.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
National Day (November 18)
Description
National Day in Montenegro, celebrated on November 18th, commemorates the declaration of independence from the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1918. This day marks the end of Montenegro’s inclusion in the Yugoslav state and its entry into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. National Day is a significant occasion for Montenegrins, as it reflects the long history of their country and its role in the formation of modern Yugoslavia.
The holiday is marked by official ceremonies, speeches, and national celebrations. People gather to celebrate the significance of the day in Montenegro’s history. National Day celebrations often include parades, music performances, and traditional Montenegrin cultural expressions. It is a day of pride and reflection on Montenegro’s past and its national identity.
Duration
National Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Montenegro.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely celebrated by Christians in Montenegro. The holiday is both a religious observance and a cultural celebration, with families coming together to celebrate the occasion with church services, family meals, and gift-giving. In Montenegro, Christmas celebrations involve traditional foods, music, and cultural practices that vary by region.
Church services are held in both Catholic and Orthodox churches across the country, where Montenegrins attend Mass or other religious observances to mark the birth of Christ. Christmas is also an occasion for family reunions, with people preparing special holiday meals and exchanging gifts. The holiday is marked by decorations, lights, and a festive atmosphere in homes and public spaces.
Duration
Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Montenegro
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Orthodox New Year | January 14 | 1 day | Orthodox Christians |
| Statehood Day | May 21 | 1 day | General Public |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| Independence Day | July 13 | 1 day | General Public |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | 1 day | Catholics |
| National Day | November 18 | 1 day | General Public |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | Christians |
