Korčula Sword Dance Festival
Korčula Sword Dance Festival- 02.09.2026. - 13.09.2026.
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This popular festival brings together eight knight associations from all over the island that perform traditional and unique sword dances, dating back to the early 17th century. With their performances, they preserve the customs and traditions that have been passed down on the island for generations.
The festival moves to different places on the island (Pupnat, Žrnovo, Čara, Smokvica, Vela Luka, Korčula), and the performances are held at open locations in the evening.
These are old sword dances that have been preserved on the island of Korčula for centuries. Each place on the island has its own special dance and association. The most famous is the Moreška (which is performed in the town of Korčula itself) a dance with two swords, for which the island of Korčula is famous worldwide. Other places on the island cherish dances called Kumpanija or Moštra. The dancers wear beautiful old folk costumes, and the dances depict combat and military exercises accompanied by drums and mišnjica (a traditional instrument).
Moreška and kumpanija from the island of Korčula are protected intangible cultural assets of the Republic of Croatia. Records from a court file mentioning moreškanti from 1666 confirm the performance of moreška in Korčula. The oldest document that records kumpanija dates back to 1620.
Through guest appearances by associations from different parts of the island, the Festival connects local communities and provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the unique living cultural heritage of Korčula.
