By Talha Ozturk
BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – Montenegro's traditional "laziest citizen" contest continues, with eight contestants still in their beds for a new record of over 300 hours.
On Aug. 23, a national record for "laziest citizen" was broken when 12 contestants, out of a total of 21, remained in their beds for more than 120 hours, breaking the previous record held by Dubravka Aleksic of the capital Podgorica, who won the competition in 2021 by lying down for 117 hours.
This is a one-of-a-kind competition that distinguishes Montenegro in Europe, owing to the widespread belief that Montenegrins are "lazy."
The humorous traditional contest kicked off on August 18 in the Ethno village, 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from Podgorica, with a record-breaking 21 participants competing for a prize of €1,000 ($1087) and the title of "laziest citizen."
Thursday marks the 14th day of the competition, with the eight most persistent for the prize money already lying for 317 hours.
The bad weather conditions, such as a drop in temperature and rain before the extremely high temperatures, did not deter the compactors' determination to win the title of "laziest citizen."
"No one is tired, and everyone is as enthusiastic as they were on the first day. We all hope to win, and no one is worried… we are all healthy and well," title holder Aleksic told Anadolu.
When asked how long she thinks they can stay in the lying position, Aleksic said she wants to go all the way.
Participants competing while lying down are allowed to sleep, eat food and drink beverages, read books, and use the phone, according to the competition rules. Standing up, on the other hand, is a rule violation.
Competitors are allowed to use the restroom every eight hours.