Halloween in Montenegro is gradually evolving from an “overseas” tradition into a favorite occasion to get together, dress up, and extend the warm autumn for another bright night.
From Samhain to pumpkin lights
The origins of Halloween go back to the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain, which celebrated the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the “dark” half of the year. It was believed that on the night of October 31st, the boundary between worlds was thinned, and people lit bonfires and wore masks to ward off evil spirits. Later, Christian tradition linked these rituals with All Hallows’ Eve, from which the word Halloween originates. Over time, the holiday became secular and fun: costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, sweets, and parties.
World Traditions
Today, Halloween around the world includes:
- costume parties and parades;
- carved jack-o’-lantern pumpkins outside homes and businesses;
- trick-or-treat – children’s candy-hunting;
- themed bars, quests, horror clubs, costume and decor contests.
The idea is the same: a little controlled “mysticism,” a lot of humor, and maximum freedom for the imagination.
How Montenegro Celebrates
In Montenegro, Halloween is especially noticeable in tourist and urban locations – Podgorica, Budva, Kotor, Tivat, and Bar. Bars and clubs decorate their halls with cobwebs, candles, and pumpkins, host DJ sets and costume contests, language schools and cafes respond, and locals and expats eagerly embrace the opportunity for a fun night out. The holiday here fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the Adriatic coast: the sea, warm air, open terraces, and parties until dawn.
Halloween with the Starlight Crew
This fall, the Starlight Crew gathered all their friends at the Starlight Club, turning it into the center of the night. Everyone brought treats: homemade desserts, snacks, fruit, and themed “scary” sweets. The main thing they brought was a lighthearted spirit, laughter, and a willingness to have fun.
The club hosted costume and makeup contests, games, impromptu mini-shows, and photo shoots under neon lights. Music, jokes, and a friendly atmosphere made the celebration feel more like a family reunion than a typical party.
As the evening wore on, the group only changed its route: some headed to Dublin, others to 501, continuing the night in local bars, each with their own music, jokes, and stories.
And in true Montenegrin style, Halloween ended traditionally – on the beach, with cheerful music, the sound of the waves, and conversations until the early hours. Thus, Halloween in Montenegro is becoming more than just a trendy holiday, but a true tradition for like-minded people, where Starlight manages to bring everyone together where there is light, sound, and good cheer.
The next day, after a good night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast, we headed off with a large group for a picnic on the beach. The grilled sausages were delicious, a little beer and wine lifted everyone’s spirits, and the cool sea water cooled our bodies, tanned by the autumn sun. It’s a shame it gets dark so early in the fall, and after 6:00 PM, we all headed home. Overall, it was another unforgettable weekend with close friends in sunny Montenegro.
