Nijemo Kolo, silent circle dance of the Dalmatian hinterland

The Dalmatian Zagora, the Dalmatian hinterlands, are home to a very unusual tradition. The Nijemo kolo dance comes from here, one of the largest wine-growing areas of the Adriatic Sea. The very fact that this dance is done silently, so without accompanying music, is exactly what makes this custom a curiosity and explains its place on the list as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, a position held since 2011. During this dance, the dancers come together and form a closed circle. All the dancers move continuously in long strides while individual dancers jump with their partner to the middle of the circle. In the middle the dancers gladly perform their own spontaneously inspired movements followed by wild dancing with short, quick steps. Before and after the dance, music may be played, but is not necessary for the dancers and singers who are already giving top performances.

The Nijemo kolo is a dance that is performed spontaneously, at least in the past, at special events such as festivals, carnival or at weddings. Today village dance groups and cultural clubs are responsible for passing down the secrets of the Nijemo kolo and for keeping the practice alive. You can see the dance today, especially during high local holidays and folk festivals locally or abroad.