Cultural Association 'Ivo Lozica'

About us

Welcome to the "Ivo Lozica" Cultural Association, based in the charming village of Lumbarda on the beautiful island of Korčula!

Since 1979, we’ve been bringing people together to celebrate everything that makes our little corner of the world special—music, dance, local traditions, and the warmth of our community.

Our association has several vibrant sections, each contributing to our mission of preserving and sharing local heritage.

Brass Band

The Lumbarda Brass Band (Narodna glazba Lumbarda), playing since 1929, is our oldest section.

The Folklore Section

The Folklore Section, started in 1979, now has over 70 members of all ages keeping traditional dances alive.

The Mandolin Trio

The Mandolin Trio, formed in 1999, adds a magical touch, accompanying our folklore performances.

Ero the Joker

A highlight of our performances is the traditional Dalmatian dances and songs, such as those inspired by Jakov Gotovac's opera "Ero s onoga svijeta" (Ero the Joker). This masterpiece, based on Dalmatian folk melodies, concludes with a spectacular kolo (circle dance) set in the Dalmatian hinterland, particularly Vrlica. Choreographed by Zvonimir Reljić, the dance preserves the authentic style and spirit of the region and is performed with the vibrant sounds of Narodna glazba Lumbarda.

Traditional dances

Additionally, our repertoire includes traditional dances from Korčula Island, which blend Middle Adriatic traditions with influences from European courtly ballroom styles. Under the choreography of Nikica Radovan, these dances—Vrtajica, Quattro e due passi, Pritilica, and Manfrina—are performed with elegance and energy by our youngest folklore group, accompanied by the Mandolin Trio.

Mixed Klapa "Ivo Lozica"

Part of our vocal section, established back in the 1980s, includes several of our male vocal ensembles: Koludrt, Ivo Lozica, Korda, as well as the female vocal ensemble Izergo.

The first mixed vocal ensemble from Lumbarda to perform at the prestigious FDK Omiš, the largest klapa competition, enriched our collection with a silver shield (2023) and a gold shield (2024). The ensemble is an integral part of almost all cultural events in Lumbarda and beyond.

Jakov Gotovac

Ero the Joker

"Ero the Joker" is a comic opera in three acts by composer Jakov Gotovac, with a libretto by Milan Begović. Premiered on November 2, 1935, at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, the opera became a staple of national theatre repertoires and remains one of the most recognized works of Croatian musical heritage.

The plot follows Mića, a young man from a wealthy rural family in the Dalmatian hinterland, who disguises himself as a poor man and presents himself as "Ero the Joker" to test the sincerity of Đula’s love. Through a series of comedic situations and twists, Mića ultimately wins Đula’s heart, and his clever deception is forgiven.

The main characters of the opera are:

Mića/Ero the Joker: A young man from a wealthy family (tenor)
Đula: Marko’s daughter from his first marriage (soprano)
Gazda Marko: A wealthy farmer (bass)
Doma: Marko’s second wife (mezzo-soprano)

The music of the opera is rich in folk melodies, dances, and vibrant orchestration, with rhythms evoking the spirit of Croatian village life and the celebration of community. For this reason, Ero the Joker has become a symbol of Croatian cultural heritage, performed on stages worldwide and translated into numerous languages.

In keeping with this spirit, the Cultural Association "Ivo Lozica" promotes tradition, folklore, and music through its summer programs. Our program, which gathers lovers of folklore and cultural heritage, culminates in the best possible way—with the lively and emotional final kolo (circle dance) from the opera Ero the Joker. The kolo is performed with accompaniment from Narodna Glazba Lumbarda, featuring soloists Marcela Melina and Ive Kriletić-Luka. This kolo, imbued with the essence of folk spirit, dance, and unity, symbolizes everything the Cultural Association "Ivo Lozica" cherishes and nurtures across generations. Let it unite us through music and dance, just as it has for generations before us.

Visual Chronicles

A Journey Through Culture and Tradition

Explore dynamic moments of performances, intricate traditional costumes, and the vibrant tapestry of cultural events preserved through stunning visuals.