The Korčula Island sword dances of Moreška, Moštra and Kumpanija are protected as intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia and a unique island tradition. These attractive dances represent a battle between the local army and the conqueror. Moreška is a mock battle between two kings (the black and the white one) and their armies for the love of a girl, Bula.

The sword dances were traditionally performed during the celebration of patron saints of the towns and villages on the Island. Today, they are performed as part of the Sword Dance Festival during the summer months as a tourist attraction. Kumpanija is performed in Vela Luka, Blato, Smokvica, Čara and Pupnat. Moštra is performed in Žrnovo and Moreška in Korčula.

Program:

1. 9., 9 PM, Žrnovo, St. Roch’s Church Square

Performance: HGD Sv. Cecilija, Korčula

2. 9., 9 PM, Vela Luka, St. Joseph’s Church Square

Performance: VU Kumpanjija, Pupnat

3. 9., 9 PM, Lumbarda

Performance VU Kumpanjija Smokvica

4. 9., 9 PM, Čara

Performance Moštra; KPD Bratska Sloga, Žrnovo

6. 9., 9 PM, Pupnat

Performance: VU Kumpanija, Čara

9. 9., 9 PM, Smokvica

Performance: FD Kumpanjija, Vela Luka and the

Guests: Sinjska Alka from Sinj, Croatia

10. 9., 9 PM, Korčula

Performance: HGD Sv. Cecilija, Korčula and the Guests Sinjska Alka from Sinj, Croatia and HGD sv. Cecilija, Korčula – Moreška sword dance performance

Photo by Domagoj Miletić