Moreška

Dating back hundreds of years, the Moreška is an elaborate production involving two groups of dancers, engaging in a mock battle over the fate of a veiled young woman.

[3] The Moreška in Korčula dates back to at least the mid-17th century,[4][5] with its roots in the Middle Ages, from the several hundred years of battle between Muslims and Christians (Moros y cristianos) in Spain, specially in Catalonia where exist a traditional dance called La Morisca de Gerri de la Sal, during the Reconquista.

[6] By the 16th century the conquest theme with mock battles was introduced into the Americas and other world areas administered or culturally influenced by Spain.

The version that is danced in Korčula appears to be the only one in modern times which uses two swords held by each soldier (Moreškanti) in the elaborate mock battles.

In modern times there are abbreviated performances of 20–30 minutes which occur weekly in the summer for visiting tourists.