The festival brings together historical sword dance groups from the whole island.
The Sword Dance Festival, organized by the town of Korčula, started on Friday evening with a parade of participants on the streets and squares of the town, reports Korčula Online on June 16, 2018.
The festival features the knight sword dance associations Kumpanija from Vela Luka, Blato and Čare, Moštra from Žrnovo and Moreška from Korčula.
After the parade, the opening ceremony was held at the Reconciliation Square. The attendees were addressed by Deputy Mayor of Korčula Ivan Šale, who said that the town of Korčula was visited during its long history by knights in all their splendour and glory, celebrating their victories over the conquerors. He added that the island of Korčula was unique for its knightly sword dances and traditions, which are over 400 years old, making Korčula one of the top Mediterranean islands due to its historical heritage.
The attendees also heard from Hana Turudić, the director of the Korčula Tourist Board, who said that the festival would last until late August. Performances of the knightly sword dance associations will be held in all towns on the island, with especially intricate dances performed at original historical venues on days of patron saints of various towns on the island, while will contribute to the further development of cultural tourism in the town and the whole island.
The guests saw members of all the participating groups, who for this occasion performed a fragment of the so-called chain dance with steel swords, which captivated the audience. In addition to the traditional knightly costumes, numerous attractive dance moves and clashes of swords which produced sparks delighted the audience who welcomed them with a long applause.
Translated from Korčula Online.
