Klapa singing is a tradition very specific to the Dalmatian coastline. Klapa singers are highly esteemed throughout all of Croatia. Croats love to sing and many children grow up singing songs for family and friends at various and sundry events, both private and public. While on the ferry this July 2010 to Korcula Town we discovered a group of Klapa singers were on board. Little did we know they would be singing for us publicly in a few days. They were members of the Croatian Navy. At first I thought it was really crystal clear music being piped onto our deck. I walked downstairs to get a soda and there they were, but had no idea they were naval as they weren't in their naval dress. The sweet harmonies and their friendly demeanor put everyone at ease on a really bumpy, swaying, stomach wrenching nauseating trip for many as the seas were quite choppy for the first hour on the ferry.
So while visiting Korcula Island I was privileged to get to listen to two klapa (a capella as it's known in English) groups on the same stage one evening. The Croatian Naval Klapa group that had been on our ferry and are known as Sveti Juraj were really quite amazing in their harmonies and their tightness in terms of singing together. They sang for one and a half hours along the Korcula waterfront. All the Croats knew many of the songs, and on at least three were invited to sing along. It really was a highlight of my trip and where I felt so much like a local; surrounded by warmth and joy next to the Adriatic Sea on a star filled, full moon lit night.
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