DANCES OF ISTRIA
Istria, a peninsula in southwestern Europe, boasts a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its traditional dances. These dances, often performed at festivals and celebrations, offer a glimpse into the region's history, traditions, and spirit.
Balun
Is the most widespread and most performed folk dance on the Istrian peninsula. In its performance participates several dance pairs arranged in a circle, with a dancer on the inside and a dancer on the outside of the circle. They move counterclockwise, while one pair, or several individual dancers, rotating around their axis, spin clockwise.
The dances of Istria are a vibrant and dynamic reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Sette passi
Is a dance to a two-time scale, but depending on which village the dance is performed in, there are different rhythmic patterns. It is danced seven times to one side, then seven times to the other side, followed by a turn. This dance dates back to the Middle Ages, so remnants of magic are visible.
Ballo de cusin
Is a dance game in which elements of different dances are used. There are no special dance forms and rhythmic patterns that are characteristic of this dance. The peculiarity of the dance is that in the middle of the circle there is a dancer or a pedestrian holding a pillow (cushin). While the music is playing, the dancer chooses a dance partner with whom they will then dance, before handing the pillow to the next one.
Tangible cultural heritage is an important factor in the tourist offer, especially those that are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
Mazurka
Is a dance performed in a three-year scale, like a waltz, in pairs, standard posture, and by jumping alternately on the left and right legs. Couples turn in place either by moving around the circle or direction set by the first dance couple.
Change
Is a dance characterized by a change of dance partners in such a way that during the dance in a circle at the same time all female dancers move forward along the dance circle, continuing the dance with a new partner. The male dancer, on the other hand, remains in place, turns back wards and thus welcomes the dancer who comes along, and continues the next figure of the dance.
Pritilica
Often called Spitz polka, danced in pairs and in circles. One male dancer, without a match, in the middle of the circle waits for an opportunity to "hand over" the broom to another, while taking his partner, and continues to dance.
The Dolenjski waltz
– originates from Slovenian territory, danced in circles, in pairs, accompanied by gunjac. It is characterized by dancing on a circle with the step of a Viennese waltz, and dancing on the spot, when dance figures are performed.
Must See:
Festival of Istrian folk music and dances in Rovinj:
This annual festival takes place in August and features performances of traditional Istrian folk music and dance by local ensembles.
Summer Festival in Kaštelir-Labinci:
This summer festival takes place in July and August and features a variety of events, including concerts, theater performances, and traditional Istrian dance performances.
