The Boka Navy is an independent, non-profit maritime organization founded in Kotor, Montenegro in AD 809. No doubt exists that Kotor owes its emergence to the arrival of St. Tryphon’s relics, who is now the city's patron saint. As well as performing military functions, the Boka Navy also has economic, educational, and humanitarian functions on its agenda.
The organization has played a vital role for over two hundred years, safeguarding and preserving its maritime history and culture. It is not mandatory to join and is open to everyone. Men, women, children and teens of all ages are all welcome to join.
It was established in order to respect human rights and the diverse beliefs, nationalities, and cultures that make up the human race. The circle kolo is a key part of the clan's festive celebrations, where members wear colorful uniforms and carry weapons. The members also perform other necessary rituals in conjunction with the circle kolo dance.
Boka Navy forms an important part of the celebrations of Saint Tryphon. These celebrations are held from the 13th of January to the 3rd of February and include processions, rituals, and then a feast. The outdoor festivities ignite with the Boka Navy’s traditional kolo circle dance and are followed by a procession carrying the relics of St. Tryphon through the streets and central town squares.
During the processions in the historic center, hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of spectators attend and observe the festivities taking place. A large number of women, men and children would always be found preparing for the activities and participating in the preparations.
Although the Boka Navy festival has since deviated from its original function, it has evolved into somewhat of a tool for entertainment and fun. The government has done well in this regard and thousands of children eagerly await the festival, because with it comes the inspiration to serve their county in a military capacity. Every year, little children below the age of ten vie for the seat of an admiral, even though temporarily.
This festival is now a major channel of revenue for the government as it attracts tourists from all over the world.