Kotor: Eco-Festival City of Montenegro

This project details the futures of more than 1000 cities and towns across the globe as they fight to overcome all the grave environmental challenges of the 21st century. As part of this process, we highlight the future history of Kotor on the coast of Montenegro.

DATE & PLACE: Kotor, Montenegro, circa 2121AD.

Historically celebrated for its medieval architecture and lively festivals, Kotor by 2121AD has embraced the challenge of addressing climate change and ecological degradation by intertwining its cultural identity with environmental stewardship. The city’s transformation was driven by a recognition of its unique geographic location—a coastal town surrounded by dramatic mountains—and the rich tapestry of Montenegrin folklore.

The transition began with the integration of sustainability principles into Kotor’s iconic festivals, such as the Kotor Carnival and the Bokeljska Noć. These events were restructured to reduce their ecological footprints, emphasizing zero-waste practices, local organic food, and renewable energy-powered venues. Organizers replaced plastic decorations with biodegradable materials and encouraged attendees to use reusable utensils and containers. Eco-art installations, often created from upcycled materials, became central attractions, highlighting the importance of circular economies.

Beyond logistics, the festivals evolved thematically, celebrating Kotor’s natural heritage and fostering a deeper connection to its environment. Traditional folk songs and dances were reinterpreted to tell stories of ecological balance, while folklore about the Bay of Kotor and the Lovćen mountains inspired narratives of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. For example, myths of the sea maiden who guards the bay were woven into performances emphasizing marine conservation, and tales of the mountain spirits—protectors of the landscape—were adapted into calls for reforestation and sustainable mountain tourism.

Kotor also promoted a spiritual mountain ethic, drawing on the Montenegrin ethos of caring for the land and sea as sacred entities. Public workshops and eco-pilgrimages guided by local elders and folklorists became popular. These initiatives combined hiking with storytelling, connecting participants to the ecological wisdom embedded in the landscape. A central tenet of this ethic is the concept of čojstvo i junaštvo (humanity and bravery), traditionally associated with Montenegrin values, which was reinterpreted to mean courage in protecting the environment and responsibility toward future generations.

Community engagement played a critical role in this transformation. Schools introduced folklore-inspired environmental education, teaching children to see themselves as custodians of the Bay of Kotor. Artists and craftspeople created works that reflected the city’s commitment to sustainability, blending tradition with modern ecological awareness.

Kotor’s eco-festival culture and spiritual mountain ethic have set an example for other coastal and mountain towns. By celebrating its folklore and landscape through a lens of sustainability, Kotor has not only preserved its cultural identity but also redefined it as a beacon of ecological resilience and reverence for nature.