Culture of Montenegro

The culture of Montenegro is as pluralistic and diverse as its history and geographical position would suggest. Montenegro's culture has drawn influences mainly from Ancient Rome, Christianity, Islam, Byzantine Empire, Serbian Empire, Ottoman Empire, Republic of Venice, Austria-Hungary, and Yugoslavia.

A very important dimension of Montenegrin culture is the ethical ideal of Čojstvo i Junaštvo, roughly translated as "Humanity and Bravery". Another result of its centuries long warrior history, it is the unwritten code of Chivalry that stipulates that to deserve a true respect of its people, a person has to show virtues of integrity, dignity, humility, self-sacrifice for the just cause, respect for others, and along with the bravery. In the old days of battle, it resulted in Montenegrins fighting to the death, as being captured was considered the greatest shame.

This code of conduct is still very much ingrained, to greater or lesser extent, in every Montenegrin's ethical beliefs system and it is essential that it be kept in mind in order to truly understand them.

Most of extraordinary examples of Montenegrin conduct during its long history can be traced to the code.

An absolute institution in the Montenegrin Culture. You are 'allowed' to miss someone's wedding, but not coming to their funeral will be remembered.

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