Slavonija is the largest and most fertile part of Croatia’s land. It borders Hungary and the Drava River on the north, the Sava River on the south, the Moslavina Region on the west and the Srijem Region on the east. For this reason, Slavonian folk traditions have remained unchanged for centuries. The wealth of this region is reflected in the dances, songs and costumes. The song “Aj lipo ti je” belongs to the “Drumarac” type (songs usually sung while walking to the field/party or home from the field/party. Sometimes they’ll sing in the “kolo” too. Presented in 2009 by Željko Jergan. View the pdf here.
Čizme Moje
Prigorje Region, translated “by the hills,” is located in the environs of Croatia’s capital Zagreb where the “kaykavian” dialect is prevalent. A prominent dance in this area is “drmeš” (shaking dance – a fine, subtle shaking of the entire body) and was accepted a long time ago and is still danced today. Željko Jergan researched the Kašinsko Prigorje region, particularly a small village of Kašina Northwest of Zagreb, from 1975-1984.
Presented in 2009 by Željko Jergan. View the pdf here.
Drmeš iz Marijanaca
Slavonia is the richest agricultural region (known as the bread basket) in Croatia. For this reason, folk traditions have remained unchanged for centuries. The wealth of this region is reflected in the dances, songs and costumes. The village of Marijanci is in northeastern Slavonia (Osijek-Baranja County near the city of Valpovo). Most of the dances in Slavonia surround the musicians, who are in the center of a circle. Musical accompaniment features the bagpipe (gajde) and tambura (samica), or a full tambura orchestra. Slavonian people dance to celebrate any occasion - weddings, harvest, church celebrations, or any other daily occurrence that merits a celebration.
Presented by Željko Jergan in 2009. View pdf here.
Hopa dina
Moslavina is situated at the foot of the Moslavina Hill, at the apex of many rivers, lakes and swamps. This region is renowned for its wine and agricultural wealth. For this reason the national costume, songs and dances have been developed to the highest level and have been carried on from generation to generation to the present day. Željko was researching in Popovača, Kutina and Gradečki Pavlovec (parts of Moslavina region) 1977-1985.
Presented by Željko Jergan in 2009. View pdf here.
V Goričani
This dance and song is from the region of Medjimurje from village of Goričani.
During the Austro-Hungarian occupation of this area, people were prohibited from
maintaining their customs and dances. For this reason, solo singing became the only
outlet for preserving the culture. Following WWII, those songs were used as a
foundation for the creation of many new national dances, rooted in the peasant dances
of other bordering cultures. Singing and orchestras comprised of cymbal, violin,
clarinet and bass, and the tamburitza orchestra accompanies dances. Željko Jergan
has done research throughout the Medjimurje region from 1972 until the present.
Presented by Željko Jergan in 2009. View pdf here.
