In a quirky holiday resort located in the serene landscapes of northern Montenegro, a unique competition has everyone lying down – quite literally! Each year, the village of Brezna comes alive not with athletic feats or intellectual challenges, but with participants vying for the somewhat tongue-in-cheek title of the “Laziest Citizen”.
Originally begun 12 years ago, this satirical contest has an interesting backdrop. Radonja Blagojevic, the brainchild behind the event and the owner of the resort, wanted to humorously challenge and reclaim a prevalent stereotype that labeled Montenegrins as indolent. By converting it into a light-hearted contest, she aimed to dispel myths and bring communities together in shared laughter.
Last year, the contest witnessed a record-smashing achievement: participants managed to lie down, uninterrupted, for an astounding 117 hours. But this year, the competitors are determined to up the ante. With the event now entering its 20th day, the enthusiasm remains palpable. Seven tenacious competitors out of the original 21 are still in the race, having logged an impressive 463 hours of relaxation.
The rules of the competition, while straightforward, require immense determination. Participants must remain lying down, resisting the urge to stand or sit, which would lead to immediate disqualification. However, the organizers are not entirely unsympathetic. Contestants are given a brief respite of 10 minutes every eight hours – just enough time to make a quick restroom visit.
While the competition might seem monotonous, participants are allowed to engage in some activities. They can read, scroll through their cellphones, or even work on their laptops, provided they maintain their reclining position.
Dubravka Aksic, who wore the crown of the “Laziest Citizen” in 2021, is participating again and seems to be thoroughly enjoying the experience. The 38-year-old champion shared, “All of us feel great. We’re in excellent health and spirits. The staff here is treating us wonderfully. Our main job? Just keep lying down!”
While Dubravka is a seasoned participant, there are newcomers too. Filip Knezevic, a 23-year-old from the northern town of Mojkovac, is competing for the first time. The spirited young man is confident about his prospects in the competition and has his eyes set on the 1,000-euro prize (equivalent to around $1,070). With each passing hour, his determination only seems to grow stronger.
As days turn into nights and the competition grows more intense, the village of Brezna is abuzz with excitement. Locals and tourists gather around, cheering for their favorites and marveling at the resilience of the competitors. The “Laziest Citizen” contest, beyond its humorous premise, stands as a testament to the community spirit of Montenegro, as they come together to rewrite a stereotype in a fun, inclusive manner.
READ MORE: