Traditional Dubrovnik jig called a linđo

October 2013. Dubrovnik. Stradun. The famous Dubrovnik jig known as a linđo was performed by a group of 270 dancers. The event was included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest performance of this intangible cultural heritage. The origins of the two-centuries-old dance that characterise the south of Croatia are described below…

Dubrovnik’s most popular dance

In the village of Petrača in the area of Župa Dubrovačka, there once lived an esteemed player of the lijerica called Nikola Lale, nicknamed “Linđo”. It is believed that his nickname served as a synonym for what is today known as playing the instrument, dancing to the tunes and singing the lyrics of the jig. The elderly residents of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area claim that the jig used to be referred to as the wheel dance (kolo) and the name linđo has gained traction only recently.

The most important parts of the jig are the leader of the dance (vikač) and the lijerica player (linđo), who stomps his right foot loudly to the beat of the music and determines the rhythm of the dance. The performers dance in pairs, surrounding the player and rendering various dance moves according to the dance leader’s commands. More often than not, the dance leader shouts out humorous commands or those with a double meaning to encourage the dancers to be creative when it comes to improvising the dance moves.

“Open up, player; join the fun, fellow. Pick up your bow, don’t let it go. Play to the theme, now, for your kin. Follow with moves the ol’ linđo’s tunes. She touches your heart, the wooing game starts. Take her by the hand, don’t let her stand. Swing her in the air, keep worries at bay. God only knows, break her bones. Third time’s the charm, hold her by the arm. The player was born to lead on this song. She’ll put out, give it time, she’ll take her breeches off together with her gown. The day gets the sea, if you can. If you can not, then you get out. Enough with this shudder, she’s not made of rubber. Don’t just lead her on; take her home. Kiss her, hug her, tell her she’s yours. Call it a night, the tunes of lijera are gone.” An excerpt from the lyrics of the Linđo jig

Linđo Folklore Ensemble

Linđo Folklore Ensemble was established in 1964 and has been entertaining audiences in Dubrovnik and around the world since 1965. The young people of Dubrovnik sing and dance in colourful traditional costumes and present the traditional and cultural heritage of the Dubrovnik area and the significance of folklore in Croatia. The ensemble keeps the tradition of this dance and this instrument alive. The dance used to be performed at village celebrations, wedding ceremonies and especially at the St Blaise festivity, where it is still an important part of the celebrations.

Skilled dancers of the Dubrovnik Littoral will demonstrate their talent, so book your holiday in Dubrovnik and have fun with the unique and unforgettable experiences on offer. Check out the offer of Dubrovnik Riviera Hotels today, and book a stay in one of the new or refurbished hotels available.