Archive for the 'Culture' Category
With Croatia’s location to the Adriatic Sea, much of Croatia’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean. Nestled between Hungary, Slovenia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, and Serbia, Croatia also derives much of its fare from its surroundings. Since Italy is very close to Croatia, you will also notice an Italian influence on Croatian cuisine.
Croatian cuisine can best be defined into five regions: The Slavonia region, the Hrvatsko Zagorje Region, Middle Croatia, Istria, and Dalmatia. The Dalmatian region includes the area of the Adriatic Coast. The coast is extremely fertile and the Dalmatian Coast is known for its distinctively delicious gourmet treats. It is on the coast of Croatia, where you will discover that the cuisine has a strong Mediterranean characterization and is very similar to that of Greece, Italy, and other Mediterranean cultures.
The Croatian Dalmatian Coast is also known for its distinctive Olive Oils, Vinegars, Spices, Figs, and Capers. Today, Croatia is well known for its high quality Olive Oil, as growing conditions are more favorable in Croatia then in surrounding areas such as Italy, for growing olives.
Additionally, you’ll find an abundance of fish that is carefully prepared according to Croatian methods that have been passed from generation to generation. Fish may be served grilled in exquisite gourmet Olive Oil, or in brodetto, a fish soup. Fish à la gregada, a fish stew referred to as: riblja čorba. Other seafood and shellfish that are used in abundance in Croatian coastal cuisine include squid, calamari, oysters, octopus, cuttlefish, tuna fish, clams, and mussels.
Some of the most exquisite delicacies found along the Croatian coast include: Pršut that is dried ham that has been sliced paper-thin. In Italian culture it is known as Prosciutto. Pršut is typically served with olives and goat cheese and is a staple that you will find in any Dalmatian coastal restaurant.
In addition to the abundance of seafood, the Croatian Coast has also proved to be suitable for cultivating grapes and wine has become an important feature in Croatian life. Wine is generally served with meals and the best Dalmatian Red wines are said to come from Plavac Mali. Some of the other wines that are revered throughout the region include: Dingae, Vugava, Pharos, and Grk.
Moving inland, the Slavonia region is where Croatia meets Hungary. Most notably, Hungarian goulash is replaced by gulaš, in Croatia and is a very popular stew. In addition, there is a spicy stew, made with fish, in the Slavonia region known as: fiš-paprikaš. Some common types of stews and goulashes include chicken, rabbit, and venison.
Throughout Croatia, you will enjoy a variety of delicious pastas, soups, and vegetables. Mushrooms are grown in abundance, as are cabbage, onions, dry beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and garlic. In addition to these vegetables, there are certain foods that are enjoyed throughout various regions of Croatia. No matter what region you are visiting, or your choice of restaurant, you are sure to find these dishes added to the menu.
Pag Cheese is very popular throughout all of Croatia. It is made from domesticated sheep’s milk, on the island, Pag. It is served as a delicacy with olives. The cheese is revered for its fermenting process, and is identified by its firmness. When you pick up Pag Cheese, and hold it in the center, the cheese will remain firm on both sides. Sometimes, Pag Cheese is grated and used as a topping on other dishes, however it is generally considered as an appetizer.
Cevapcici is made of ground meat and spices. It is the equivalent of the American burger only they are rolled into a small sausage shape. The ground meat (typically beef and lamb) are blended with spices then kneaded into a sausage shape. They are then grilled or boiled and served with sautéed onions, tomatoes, ajvar, and on Pita bread.
Due to Croatia’s location, the music of Croatia is a distinct reflection and merging of its neighbors. It is best said that the music of Croatia could be divided into three distinct regions of influence: the Mediterranean Region, the Balkans Region, and Central Europe. The Mediterranean influence on Croatian music may be seen in one type of Folk music in particular, Klapa.
Klapa Croatian Music is greatly revered and treasured by those who live along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. The word derives its meaning from “Klapa” and signifies a group of people. The focal point of Klapa Croatian music is to celebrate the love of country, the sea, wine, and love.
Klapa music emphasizes harmony and involves many members of the group. First tenor, Second Tenor, Baritone and Bass make up the standard Klapa group, however now female Klapa groups are emerging in Croatia.
Featured in festivals, Klapa music has been beloved for many generations. It is very common to hear Klapa music being sung in the streets of the Croatian coast when strolling through town or dining at an outdoor café.
An example of Croatian music that has its origins in the Balkan regions, or is of Balkan influence is Gusle. The Gusle is a single stringed instrument that has been used in Croatia, Serbia, and in the Balkan regions. In some areas of Croatia, the Gusle may have two strings, but typically it has one. The Gusle is played with a bow made from horsehair. It almost resembles the sound of a low-pitched violin.
Gusle music is a style of folk, where the Gusle accompanies epic poetry. Gusle music isn’t revered only in ancient days, either. There are many modern day Gusle musicians that incorporate current political events in their poetry as well. The narrative epic poems are usually quite large, and the vocalist must commit them to memory. The music holds national significance, as it was used in days past as a way of passing down information from generation to generation. When it comes to famous Gusle musicians, there is one that is most notable, Mile Krajina. There are many folk festivals in Croatia year wide, and it is very common to hear Gusle music during these festivals.
Croatian music with Central European influence is plentiful. Tamburitza is a very popular style of Croatian folk music that uses the Tamburitza instrument. The Tamburitza is a stringed instrument that resembles a guitar or a mandolin. There are several types of Tamburitzas that are used. The first is the Bisernica; this is the smallest Tamburitza and has five strings. The second is the Brač. The Brač also has five strings and is slightly larger than the Bisernica, giving it a lower tone. The next type is the Bugarija. The Bugarija is very similar to a guitar but only contains three or four strings. This is often used as a rhythmic or percussion instrument. Like the Bugarija, the Čelo is often played for dyanamics, or the softness of loudness of each note. Finally, the Bajs is the largest sized Tamburitza and is often used to play bass lines.
Tamburitza music often depicts true love or living a happy village life. It became increasingly popular during the 1800’s and is still a mainstream form of Croatian music.
Other forms of popular Croatian folk music include folk music from the Zagorie region and Medimurhe region folk music. Other styles of Croatian music include the blues, classical, pop, rock, new wave or Novi Val, dance, rap, and jazz.
Most of the music forms cross the Croatian border and are enjoyed by neighboring countries. There are many festivals including dance festivals, foklore festivals, and open air festivals.