Gospa od Škrpjela

Votive Day - 15^th of May. During the 17^th century, the entire northern side of Boka Kotorska, including Herceg Novi and Risan, was under Turkish rule. On the morning of May 15^th, 1654, the Turks, led by Mehmed-aga Rizvanagić and with over 5000 soldiers, attacked Perast. There were only 53 citizens of Perast to defend the town. Turks from Herceg Novi took part in the attack and pillaged the island of St. George, while taking votive gifts and robes from the island of Our Lady. Mehmed-aga and 72 Turkish soldiers died in the battle, while some 300 of them were wounded. Only two of the defenders were wounded. This victory of the citizens of Perast over the Turks became a topic of many songs. A sign, commissioned by Abbot Andrija Zmajević, who later became the Archbishop of Bar, and chiseled into the facade of the parish church, also reminds of this victory. The citizens of Perast contributed their success in this highly uneven battle to the protection of Our Lady of the Rocks. To show their appreciation, the entire parish pledged to celebrate the 15^th of May every year with a festive procession through the town, during which the painting of Our Lady is carried.

The citizens of Perast have not and cannot forget numerous occasions on which Mary showed them mercy.

Special celebrations were held on the first centennial in 1754, and the second centennial in 1854.

Procession with the painting of Mary - The procession at sea, during which the painting of Our Lady of the Rocks is carried to Perast and back, is especially important and picturesque. The little boat carrying the painting is always in the middle, surrounded in a semi-circle by other boat and armored guard. This is meant to evoke memories of hard times when the Turks held the northern side of Verige under occupation, and the threat of a sudden attack was imminent.

Fastening - To mark the beginning of construction of the island of Our Lady of the Rocks (July 22^nd, 1452), a unique festival called "Fašinada" - the fastening, is held every year on that date. The first boat carried the Abbot, several dignitaries from Perast, singers, and rowers. They are joined by other boats from Perast and surrounding villages (Strp, Kostanjica, Đurići, Stoliv), connected together, filled with stone. It is traditional that only men take part in this, and that all the boats are rowed. The singers start by singing Oj vesela veselice (Oh happy merrymaking) from Pošov to St. Nicholas Square, and from the square to Školj, they sing Dvoje mi drago zaspalo (My two dears have fallen asleep). When the first boat reaches beyond Školj, the boats are untied, and the stone is thrown into the water in those spots where they are most needed to secure the island. In keeping with tradition, church bells toll to festively welcome the boats. After that, the rosary prayer is held in the church. This tradition has both a symbolic and a practi­cal meaning. In the past, a modest dinner of bread, roast lamb, cheese, and salad, would be held following the prayer.

Regatta - On the same day, i.e. on July 22^nd, the Fastening Cup Regatta is held, in which sailboats from all over Boka take part. The winner of the race gets a challenge cup and a place of honor for his name on the lighthouse plaque on the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. A dinner is served for everyone in attendance.