Valamar Blog

The lindjo is an old traditional dance of the Dubrovnik region. It is danced to the music of the instrument known as the ljerica. The lindjo was born in the villages northwest of Dubrovnik and got its name from a resident of the Dubrovnik parish named Niko Lale.

Since there was no modern media at this time, people entertained themselves by dancing folk dances like the kolo, playing musical instruments and singing. Niko was a gifted ljerica player, the instrument of the Dubrovnik region, even though he had a damaged finger. He frequently played at village festivals and weddings. One day, while digging in his garden, he threw down his shovel and said, “Niko is not going to dig anymore.” He then earned his living playing at village weddings and festivals and got the nickname Lindjo.

The Croatian painter Vlaho Bukovac painted the portrait of Lin?o in the Dubrovnik Theater Marin Drzic. Niko Lale - Lindjo is buried in the Dance cemetery, but his face and name have remained alive in the people.

The Folklore Ensemble Lin?o bears his name. It was established in Dubrovnik in 1964. During that time, more than 3,000 members have passed through it. Today, it numbers about 300 young men and women up to the age of 30. Dancing in original costumes (they have more than 1,500 of them), they are a testament to the richness of the culture and folklore of their homeland and the Dubrovnik region.

During the dance, the lead dancer shouts out commands that frrequently have an erotic character:

“Dance the Lindjo, it was good
Just lively, lively, lively.
Turn her, spin her, *
She’s not from our village.
Run after her, she’s not your sister.
Jump three times on the same square.
Break her bones, God will forgive you.
Strike harder, she said she will,
but she doesn’t know when she will.
Enough of breaking, she’s not made of rubber.
Stop the Lindjo, it was good.”

Every Monday and Friday during the tourist season the members of Lindjo have their regular performance at Lazaret in Dubrovnik beginning at 9:30 p.m. as part of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

(* In Croatian slang this line is a double entendre with a slightly sexual connotation).