Boka Navy

The Bokeljska mornarica is a brotherhood of seafarers at Kotor whose statutes are documented from 1463 and which claims a much older origin, tied to the tradition of Saint Tryphon, the city's patron. It survives as a ceremonial body: members in dark uniforms with sabres perform a round dance, the kolo, before the cathedral on the saint's feast on 3 February and at other occasions. UNESCO inscribed the tradition in 2021.

What you actually see

• The kolo - the round dance performed in uniform before the cathedral.
• The uniforms - the dark ceremonial dress and sabres of the brotherhood.
• The Saint Tryphon feast - the 3 February ceremony that is the year's main occasion.
• The Maritime Museum - the Kotor collection holding the brotherhood's material.

When to go

3 February is the feast of Saint Tryphon and the main appearance of the brotherhood; the ceremonies run over several days around it. Other appearances happen at civic and church occasions through the year. The museum is open year round.

Honest expectations

The brotherhood appears only on set occasions and cannot be seen on demand. February in Kotor is cold and wet and accommodation is limited then. Outside the ceremonies the tradition is seen only through the museum.

Nearby

Kotor Old Town is where it performs, and Perast is northwest.