An Evening of Song and Dance

Always on the lookout for some authentic island happening, we were delighted to read about a folklore evening this Saturday in Jelsa. Thank you to the excellent Total Hvar Blog. So on with the long trousers and insect repellent and off to Jelsa.

The Pjaca square was already bustling, and we snagged the last two chairs that were still free. The event was the annual Susret Otočnog Folklora (Island Folk Gathering) that happens in early September. The programme included a klapa and a folk dance group from Vrboska so we had two home teams to support. In addition there were a klapa and a dance troupe from Jelsa, a dance troupe from the island of Šolta led by its Mayor, and a fabulous Macedonian singer who loves Dalmatian music.

The great thing about the post-season events is that the locals stage them for themselves and not to make money from tourists, so the atmosphere is lovely and relaxed, performers mix with the public and a great time is had by all.

Here is a video of the final song, “Eyes the color of Lavender” or “Oči Boje Levande” which has become a sort of unofficial Hvar anthem