Moreska Sword Dance
Moreska Sword Dance
A spirited and athletic dance, it also has been performed in other parts of Europe. There is historical evidence, for example, that the Moreska, whose name is derived from the Spanish word for "Moorish," was danced in 1156 in Lerida, Spain, to portray the expulsion of the Moors from Aragon. Originally performed only on July 29, it is now presented within the six-week Festival of Sword Dances running through July and August, though the grandest performance is still on the 29th. Korcula has hosted the festival since 1997 to celebrate and preserve the 400-year-old tradition of sword dancing.
From the 15th century, Korcula was under the control, successively, of Venice, Austria, France, Britain, again Austria, and Italy, until being ceded to Yugoslavia after World War I. It was under Italian occupation in World War II and liberated by Yugoslavian partisans in 1944-45. Marco Polo is supposed to have been born on Korcula.
See also Moors and Christians Fiesta
Korcula Tourist Office
Grad bb
Korcula, 20260 Croatia
385-20 710-610; fax: 385-20-710-611
www.korcula.net
IntlThFolk-1979, p. 390