Ulcinj Hosted The Lignjada Festival: 24 Teams, A Squid Fishing Competition, And A Gastronomical Festival
On October 24, the third Lignjada, a traditional squid fishing festival, took place in Ulcinj, Montenegro. It brought together lovers of fishing, seafood, and seaside recreation. Competitors, locals, and guests from various regions of Montenegro gathered on Malá plaža (Small Beach) and in the city’s waters.
Twenty-four teams participated in the competition. Eighteen teams fished squid from boats, and another six competed from the shore. In addition to fishermen from Ulcinj, guests from Bar, Petrovac, and Tivat also participated.
Despite challenging fishing conditions and calm seas, the participants achieved good results.
Lignjada Winners:
1st place – Team Tornado (Rasim, Muhamed, and Sajo) with a catch of 1,820 grams.
2nd place – Team Queen (Civat and Admir), whose catch was 1,184 grams.
3rd place – Team Nautika (Egzon and Endrit) with a catch of 664 grams.
A special prize for the largest squid went to Zoran Mladenović from Team Samostalni. His trophy weighed 324 grams.
Special Attention to Young Participants
The organizers emphasized the importance of passing on fishing traditions to the younger generation. Among the youngest participants were Rade and Luka Knezevic, Matija Rabrenovic, Matija Živanović, Vasilije, and Filip Bevenja. All received participation awards.
According to organizer Stefan Rabrenovic, the children’s enthusiasm and their genuine love for the sea give hope that the tradition will live on.
The festival’s main organizer and initiator, Zoran Dočić, known as Zoki, also expressed satisfaction with the number of participants and the atmosphere.
Fishing, Music, and Refreshments by the Sea
After the competition and awards ceremony, the sports portion gave way to a veritable culinary feast. Guests were treated to freshly prepared fried squid, while the popular band Assa Voce provided the musical atmosphere.
According to Radio Television of Montenegro (RTCG), the winners were awarded their prizes by Ulcinj Municipality Mayor Genci Nimanbegu, and the prize for the largest squid was presented by Čazim Hodžić, Director of the Ulcinj Tourist Organization.
Lignjada – More Than a Competition
The festival is gradually becoming an important part of Ulcinj’s autumn tourism program. Its goal is not only to promote recreational fishing and local cuisine, but also to preserve maritime traditions, support the local community, and attract visitors to the city after the main tourist season.
The Ulcinj Tourism Organization notes that the city’s autumn program also includes other events dedicated to local produce, gastronomy, and cultural heritage.
Lignjada once again proved that in Ulcinj, the sea unites generations, and traditions, the taste of fresh seafood, and Mediterranean hospitality remain an important part of city life.
Two Squid Fishing Festivals in Montenegro: Which Has More Music, and Which More Squid and Beer?
This is our second Squid Fishing Festival in Montenegro. We attended the first one last year in Petrovac, and now we’ve been to Lignjada in Ulcinj. And, of course, we couldn’t resist comparing!
Let’s be clear: these are two different events, each with its own character, atmosphere, and organizational approach.
Petrovac: Music, Food, and Scale
Petrovac is part of the Budva Municipality, so it’s safe to assume that last year’s festival had a larger budget. In any case, the organization seemed more ambitious.
Guests were offered wine, beer, and local pastries, and the squid arrived pre-cooked—they packaged it on site and distributed it to attendees. The music program was rich, and there were no issues with it; there was plenty of entertainment.
There was one caveat, though: the wine and beer ran out faster than the squid. And there really was a huge crowd!
Ulcinj: an intimate atmosphere and unlimited squid
Things turned out a bit differently in Ulcinj. The festival had a more intimate atmosphere, and from our observations, there were noticeably fewer guests than in Petrovac. Perhaps that’s why there was an abundance of beer—it was readily available.
The squid also turned out great. We admit, we were worried that only the catch of the competition participants would be cooked. But our worries were needless: there was enough squid for everyone!
They cooked it right there on the spot, on a large grill. Professional chefs were clearly at work: the squid had been washed and cleaned beforehand, and the cooking process itself looked organized and appetizing.
Musical accompaniment was provided by a band, who entertained the crowd with primarily traditional songs accompanied by guitars. No large-scale concert show, but a warm, seaside atmosphere.
So which festival is better?
It all depends on what you expect from the festival.
If your goal is to gorge on squid, drink beer, and spend time in pleasant company by the sea, then the Ulcinj festival is just the ticket.
But if a rich musical and cultural program is more important to you, and a couple of glasses of wine and a serving of squid are enough for gastronomic pleasures, then Petrovac is the place to go.
Of course, these are our personal impressions, not an objective ranking of the two events. Each festival has its own audience, its own opportunities, and its own atmosphere. But it’s interesting to compare them—after all, it’s these events that shape Montenegro’s tourist life outside the summer season.
And good news for those who missed the Lignjada in Ulcinj!
The 4th Petrovac Lignjada is coming soon: squid, wine, music, and a grand celebration by the sea.
If you missed the festival in Ulcinj or want to continue your culinary journey along the Montenegrin coast, there’s a great opportunity to catch up!
On October 31, 2026, the 4th Petrovac Lignjada will take place in Petrovac—a traditional festival dedicated to squid fishing, local cuisine, and maritime traditions. Admission is free, and the program promises to be action-packed—from early morning until late evening.
What awaits guests?
Organizers have prepared a full day of entertainment, culinary treats, and live music. • 11:00 AM — “Domaće priče i vješte ruke”: a fair of local producers and home craftsmen.
- 1:00 PM — Performance by the Budva City Music Ensemble.
- 2:00 PM — Children’s entertainment program from Rent a Party Montenegro.
- 3:00 PM — Start of the squid fishing competition.
- 4:00 PM — Tasting of fried squid, rustul (traditional Montenegrin pastries), wine, and beer.
- 5:00 PM — Concert by Senkina Djeca Bend.
- 7:00 PM — Weighing of the catch and announcement of the winners.
- 8:00 PM — Performance by Isak Šabanović.
- 10:00 PM — Concert by Boka All Star Band. Judging by the program, there’s plenty to see and hear in Petrovac. Unlike the more intimate Lignjada in Ulcinj, this one places a special emphasis on cultural and entertainment: a fair, children’s activities, a gastronomic program, and several musical performances.
So mark your calendar, invite your friends, and head to the sea for an autumnal mood, Montenegrin flavors, and good music!
