Folk music in this region is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean and often resembles the music in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. It is usually characterized by slow, free rhythm and soothing beats that remind us of the ocean. Dalmatian folk music has inspired many new forms of music and numerous modern artists have incorporated elements of it into their pop songs.

With the aim of conserving traditions, a special annual festival of Dalmatian singing (pictured here) is held in Omiš each year. Now a cultural institution of importance, with Croats from all over the country gather from the end of May till the end of July at the Festival of the Dalmatian Klapas (klapa music is a kind of a capella singing dating back to the liturgical church singing of the mid-19th century, its main elements are harmony and melody more than rhythm.

Read more in Tripatini contributor Iberostar Hotels & Resorts' post Croatian Folk Music: An Adventure off the Beaten Path.


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