Colors of Korcula Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The culture of Croatia absorbed many customs and traditions of the neighboring peoples. Take, for example, the tender love of the local residents for coffee and chocolate, which appeared due to Turkish influence. Or "Corzo", the evening promenade in beautiful outfits, so similar to the habit of the Italians to stroll after dinner, looking their best. However, the Croats also carefully maintain and transmit their own ancient traditions and customs from generation to generation.

In general, the locals are very patriotic. Though for a long time Korcula was under the protectorate of Italy, and later, like the other Croatian territories, was part of Yugoslavia, you shouldn’t call the locals the "Yugoslavs" – they will be offended. They are the Croats, and that’s it. It is not a coincidence that many people here still have national costumes, and probably only very small children can’t dance traditional dances. The residents of Korcula are hospitable and polite, although politeness here is more likely to come from the considerations of expediency – the tourists bring a big income.

There is an interesting feature of the local mentality – if something is forbidden for any reason, you will hardly be told about it. Not because of any malignancy - it's just not common here to say "no" and refuse. This is where the ardent love of the local residents to the word "tomorrow” comes from. Do you need something? No problem! Just tomorrow. And tomorrow you will hear “tomorrow” again, and so on forever. It is simply because the Croat will not fulfill their obligations, and it is not polite to refuse. Of course, it’s not always like that but if you are negotiating something with the locals, then designate the terms of the deal as precisely as possible and remember that "tomorrow" is "never". Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Despite these features of the local mentality, it is a pleasure to deal with the Croats. They are quite friendly, and if they start doing some work, they usually try to do everything qualitatively. Here it is common to gesticulate while communicating and even raise your voice – apparently, because of the Italian influence as well. For the Croats, the family is very important. They don’t usually have many children – not more than three, and usually just only one. Moreover, it does not matter whether it is a boy or a girl, they are equally happy when the new baby is born in the family.

The Croatian women can be very domineering. They often occupy managerial positions and are the actual heads of their own families. Although there are many families here with a very patriarchal way of life. Regardless of the beliefs about the role of men and women in the family, the local men give compliments to any girl, regardless of her age and looks. So if you come here alone, then expect a lot of attention from men. However, usually, it doesn’t go past the flirting. The crime level here is quite low here in the whole but there are pickpockets where there are touristic crowds.

The Croatians are Christians, and all the Catholic holidays are celebrated on a grand scale. Of course, the most large-scale festivities here are organized during Christmas and Easter but they also celebrate the Epiphany Day and the days of the holy patrons of the cities. In summer, a traditional Moreska is organized on Korcula every week. Once this show was performed throughout Croatia but these days it is remained only here. Presumably, Moreska appeared in the 12th century thanks to the victory of the European armies over the Moorish invaders. The performance includes costumed dances and battles of knights dressed in white and black, and symbolizes the struggle between the good and the evil. During the autumn time, there is the Korkyra baroque festival on the island, when you can listen to the local and foreign classical musicians. In the middle of July there is a festival dedicated to Marco Polo. In Vela-Luka during summer folklore evenings you can see kumpanija – the dance with the swords. On June 24 there is a regatta in the city.