Korčula: city's sword dance Moreška

Performed only by males from Korčula town families, the mock battle dance with each soldier holding two swords is traditionally performed on July 29 (St. Theodore's Day) and weekly during the summer tourist season. Documentation shows that the Moreška sword dance has been performed in Korčula since at least the 17th century, but the dance may be older, since double swords were part of known sword technique in the 16th century. Dramatic dialog sets the context for two armies to battle for the "bula" (a lovely young female), who was abducted by the Moro (Arab) King. Clashing swords in seven battles end with the bula being freed from her chains and returned to her beloved Osman (Turkish) King. Historically the accompaniment for the Moreška was based on the musical fashion of its time period, since the city of Korčula was in accord with European cultural trends. Today a brass band plays a 20th century arrangement specifically composed by Krsto Odak for Moreška's battles that produce sparks from clashing swords.