Croatia has many special cultural traditions that people have enjoyed for hundreds of years. These traditions help families and communities celebrate important moments, remember their history and enjoy time together. Along with the traditional dance I've described below, I've included photos of the winter decorations that are seen throughout Croatia during this time of year.
One of the most famous Croatian traditions is folk dancing and singing. In many villages and towns, people wear colorful traditional clothes and perform folk dances at festivals and celebrations. The clothes include bright skirts and embroidered shirts and vests. The music is usually upbeat, and people often dance in circles or lines while musicians play instruments like mandolins, hand drums and accordions. These performances help keep old stories and customs alive.
Dubrovnik is known for Linđo ("LEEN-jo"), a kind of dance that has been practiced in the region for centuries. The most important part of Linđo is the music. The dance is guided by a small instrument called the lijerica ("LEE-yair-eet-sa"). It has three strings and makes a bright, happy sound. The person who plays the lijerica also calls out jokes, rhymes and instructions to the dancers. Sometimes he tells them to move faster, slower or make a special turn.
