Music,festivals,local
traditions and fairs.
We will talk about music,festivals,local traditons
and fairs.
Music in Dalmatia
Introduction:
Dalmatia has a long musical tradition which is typically
Mediterranean. What distinguishes it from other Mediteriean
countries are vocally sung songs ( a cappela ), by 5 to 8
ensemble called “ klapa”.
The musical tradition consists of dances, instrumental and vocal
music.
This richness inspired new forms of music, such as opera,
operetta or pop music.
Dalmatian music
Music often strongly resembles Italian, Spanish or Portuguese music in temperament
and structure.
During the last decades composers and other artists have put great effort into
preserving the original, traditional music.
Dances and instrumental music
Dances in this region range from simple reels in the inland, to more complex
seaside urban dances. They are accompanied by instrumental or instrumentalvocal music. The most common instruments are "gusle" (a one-stringed
fiddle) in the inland, and mandolin at the seaside.
Vocal music
A very important part of
Dalmatian culture is vocal
music. Primarily urban music,
which is much better known
and preserved than inland
music.
Dalmatian "klapa" songs
Dalmatian "klapa" songs are at the core of this music. "Klapa" means company or
group. Traditionally, the ensemble consists only of male voices, but nowadays there
are more and more mixed and female ensembles.
The basic characteristic and distinction is vocal harmony-singing, rarely accompanied
by instruments. Part-singing is originally spontaneous and performed by the ear.
Klapa songs have slow rhythm.
Sometimes they include complex
measures.
The songs are usually love songs, used to
address a loved one.
Other themes include marriage and satire.
A special annual festival of
amateur Dalmatian singing
was established and is held
every year in Omis –
Fesitaval of the Dalmatian
klapas.
Klapa FORTICA
Other Dalmatian urban songs
The klapa songs are very valuable and distinct part of Croatian heritage. Other urban
Dalmatian songs also have some of the mentioned characteristics. However, they have a
wider repertoire, performed by mixed, vocal-instrumental ensembles. The most common
accompanying instruments are mandolins.
In a few years, the festival has gained
on importance and reputation.
Klapa Cambi
FESTIVALS IN DALMATIA
The theatre tradition in Dalmatia
started in the 17th century. The oldest
theatre was built in the town of Hvar
on the island of Hvar and is among
the oldest theatres in Europe.
There is also an international Children's festival which is held in Šibenik.
It is internationally recognized and unique in the world.
PROGRAM
1. FILM PROGRAM
2. NIGHT PROGRAM
3. PROFESSIONAL CONGRESS
4. WORKSHOP PROGRAM
5. ADDITIONAL PROGRAM
HISTORY of the FESTIVAL
ASIFA (International Animated Film Association)
is a permanent festival which was accepted in
1969. The first Zagreb World Festival was held in
June 1972.
In 1986 the Festival established the ‘Lifetime
Achievement Award’ as a recognition for artists’
valuable development of animated film genres or
promotion of animation Festival.
WHAT IS PIF?
PIF is an international puppet
festival of mainly professional
puppet theatre groups. It is also
a festival for any puppeteer or
theatrician who uses puppetry.
More than 350 theatres from all
continents have participated on
this festival. The festival is for
adults and children.
PIF has been held each year
since 1968. It is usually held in
the last week of August.
PIF is held in Zagreb, the capital
of Croatia.
MY OPIONION ABOUT FESTIVALS:
I like festivals. They are very interesting.
My favorite festival is in Šibenik and on
Korčula - Moreška. When I have holidays l
always go to Korčula or Šibenik and see the
famous festival. When you have holidays,
ask your parents to take you to Korčula or
Šibenik, it’s great.
Local traditions of Dalmatia
• MOREŠKA
Moreska is one of the oldest
traditional European dances
performed since1156 in Lerida.
From the 12th century and
particularly in the 16th and 17th
centuries, the dance spread to
many Mediterranean countries.
Today, Korcula is the only island
where it is still danced with real
swords in its original War-Dance.
The text, music and pattern of the dance have been changed a little over the years.
Today it is an exclusive society.
It is often performed for the tourists who visit the island. Every family on Korcula is
proud to have at least one of its members dance in the Moreska, especially one of
the key roles, which demand considerable talent and stamina. When the Black or
White Kings "retire" they are allowed to keep their crowns and these become
valuable family possessions.
Local traditions of Dalmatia
• "Following the Cross" Procession
at Holy Week
Throughout history there existed a form of public worship
known as folk devotion which is still practiced in the
central part of the Island of Hvar.
Public worship is manifested in the "Following the Cross"
Procession, in songs like "Lamentations of the Virgin
Mary" and in prayers.
The procession starts at 11 PM on Maundy Thursday,
and it lasts for 8 hours. The procession covers a distance
of 22 km and includes six parishes: Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik,
Svirce, Vrbanj and Vrboska.
The cross bearer is at the head of the Procession. He is barefoot and carries the Cross
covered with a black veil. The cross bearer has helpers, followers and singers who sing
"Lamentations of the Virgin Mary" and people carrying large candles and banners.
Everyone is dressed in white tunics. Many worshippers are from all over the Island, but
many guests visiting the Island take part in the procession. Some of the local people
along with numerous guests wait for the procession to arrive to join it on its to the
church.
TRADITIONS
• EASTER TRADITIONS:
The people of Dalmatia thought that if you drink lots of wine, you would
be stronger and healthier. It was recommended to drink as much as
possible for Easter. People would drinking wine without
water.Housewives used to prepare food which makes people thirsty so
that they could drink as much as possible. 
Weaving of branches:
People from Dalmatia didn’t just drink wine on Easter, they would weawe
branches. They used olive or rosemary branches. In Dalmatia, people
decorated branches with crosses or made wreaths with ribbons and
flowers.This skill was respected so much that one decorated branch
could be exchanged for Easter bread and 20 colorfully decorated eggs.
Coloring of eggs:
There are several ways of decoratng Easter eggs.The best known way is to
use hot liquid wax with the pencil like instruments. Another costume,
very popular everywhere in Croatia is “tuca”.Everyone chooses an
egg from the basket.Then they hit it against their adversary’s egg.The
winner is the person whose egg remains intact in the ”fight”.
CARNIVALS IN DALMATIA
Dubrovnik Carnival
The Dubrovnik Carnival goes back to the 14th century when
the city outhorities allowed the citizens to wear masks and
dress up as whoever they pleased. Knife competitiones were
also organized. Duels with young men on horseback holding
a lance were also organized. The carnival is held on the
streets of the city of Dubrovnik from the 22nd of February to
the 4th of March.
Carnival in Split
At the carneval in Split, people go to balls.These balls were
organised in the city palaces, reading rooms, and city
theatre.
QUIZ
1. What is the name of the famous festival on
Korčula?
2. During what week is the ’’Following of the
cross’’?
3. What is pif?
4. What is Moreška?
5. What is the prominent segment in Dalmatia
culture?