The Tourist Board of Vrlika is pleased to announce that on July 15, 2017, the Festival of Ojkanje and an evening of song, dance, and folk customs will be held at the Česma! The event is organized by the Tourist Board of Vrlika, in cooperation with KUD “Milan Begović”.
Vrlika’s very own KUD Milan Begović will perform their circle dance “kolo” and “ojkanje singing,” a tradition of polyphonic folk singing in the Dinaric area including the Dalmatian hinterland, which is under UNESCO protection.
The traditional kolo dancing that will be performed is specific to Vrlika, and before this event has been mostly performed in front of churches or in fields. The kolo is performed without any musical accompaniment, and the rhythm is played by the stroke of the dancer. When given the chance to experience this dance, viewers can read the weight of life and the strength and endurance of the people from this region.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=a3PQK2fKQ9Ys
Ojkanje is the oldest type of singing in Croatia, and according to experts, it is the remainder of pre-Slavonic Balkan singing from Dalmatia, adopted and preserved by Croats.
At 19:00, a folklore parade will take place through the city and at 20:00 the folklore program will begin.
There will be nine KUDs throughout the evening after which guests can expect a music and entertainment program with a band at 21:30.
Everyone is invited to join this rich cultural event!
