Return to Play: Dalmatia Revives Traditional Games This Summer

Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia – The Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County, in collaboration with the Kinesiology Faculty in Split, is launching a new initiative this summer called Povratak igri (Return to Play). The manifestation aims to reintroduce traditional street games to a new generation, fostering physical activity and cultural heritage. According to Mia Perić from the Kinesiology Faculty in Split, the project addresses a growing concern that modern children are losing touch with simple, everyday games that were once commonplace. What was completely benign, simple, and everyday for us, children no longer do, Perić stated, highlighting the challenge of teaching concepts like jumping rhythm and turning that were once instinctively learned. The initiative seeks to bridge this gap by actively demonstrating and teaching games like lastik (elastic band jumping) and školice (hopscotch). Hrvoje Karninčić, also from the Kinesiology Faculty in Split, shared insights into the origins of some games. He recounted a legend about pljočkanje (a game similar to bocce played with flat stones), suggesting it originated from poor parents giving children empty potato sacks for sack races. Karninčić also noted the ancient origins of tug-of-war, which was even an Olympic sport for five Olympiads. He emphasized that while many perceive these as local traditions, they often have global roots. The Povratak igri program is scheduled to begin on July 1st in Trogir, followed by events in Jelsa on Hvar (July 2nd), Omiš (July 8th), Supetar (July 9th), and Sinj (July 10th). The organizers hope these events will inspire children to rediscover the joy and developmental benefits of traditional play.

Dalmatinski portal

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