Plavski otkos (Plav Mowing Days)
Mowers in folk costume compete with hand scythes on Plav's mountain meadows.
This event has ended
It returns every year — dates for the next edition haven't been announced yet.
Haymaking once shaped the entire summer calendar of the Montenegrin highlands. Meadows like those above Plav were a household's bank account: the hay cut in high summer fed the animals through the long snowbound months, and a poor mowing season meant a hard winter. The otkos — the swathe a mower cuts — was never just grass.
Competitors — many in folk costume — line up on the meadow and mow their strips in long, rhythmic sweeps, judged on the quality and speed of their cut. At stake is the title of "best mower", an honour that still carries genuine bragging rights in a region where scythe skill was for centuries a measure of a man.
Around the mowing, the day unfolds as a full highland celebration: folk music, traditional dress and local food turn the meadow into a festival ground, with the Prokletije mountains rising behind the mowers. It is one of the most photogenic traditional events in Montenegro's north.
Spectators are welcome close to the action, and the day rewards lingering: between rounds there is food, music and the spectacle of the Prokletije wall shimmering beyond the meadow. Photographers will find the low, rhythmic line of mowers against the peaks irresistible.
The competition takes place in summer on the meadows above Plav, and watching is free. Combine it with the lake, the springs of the Plav–Gusinje valley and the Prokletije trails for a full highland day out.
What to expect
Hand-scythe mowing contest
Mowers cut their meadow strips in long rhythmic sweeps, competing for the "best mower" title.
Folk costume and music
Traditional dress and live folk music turn the competition into a full highland celebration.
A living skill
The event revives the summer hay-cutting labour that once sustained every mountain household.
Free on the meadows
Watching costs nothing, on mountain meadows above Plav with Prokletije views.
Judged on quality and speed
Each mower's strip is scored on both the cleanness and the pace of the cut.
What happens when
July 19, 2026
- The competitionScythe mowing on the mountain meadows, judged for the title of "best mower"
- The sceneCompetitors in folk costume, with folk music on the meadow
- The tableLocal food served through the day
Where it takes place
Plan your stay
Plav — where to stay and how to get around
Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online — you pay the host on site.
Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Offers come from the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.
More events
What else is on in Montenegro around the same time.
Dan širuna — Horse Mackerel Day
1,500 kg of free grilled fish and flowing wine close Budva's season each October.
Njegos Day
Montenegro's holiday of culture on Njegoš's birthday — ceremonies, awards and programmes centred on Cetinje.
Camellia Days (Fešta kamelija)
Stoliv celebrates its camellia bloom with flower exhibitions, concerts and the Camellia Ball.
