A cappella (klapa) singing is Croatian traditional polyphonic homophonous singing without the sound of instruments. A cappella tradition which we know today was shaped during mid 19th century. At the same time, cultural and musical identities of the Mediterranean towns were created on the Croatian coast and islands, especially in Dalmatia. A cappella singing is more present among common folk.

In the mid 19th century, formal and informal singing groups were formed in Dalmatia, which take the name of “klapa”. So today the word “klapa” frequently indicates organized singing groups with specific a cappella repertoire of Dalmatian music.

After several hundreds of years of a cappella music affirmation and development, under the influence of tourist demands, new groups of singers were gathered who used string instruments and other types of traditional instruments.

One of the most popular festivals of Croatian a cappella music is “5th Croatian a cappella and mandolin Festival” which takes place 21st July 2013 in Opatija at 21:00.

The main goal of the Croatian a cappella and mandolin Festival is to make “klape” a Croatian tourist “brand”. A cappella (klapa) singing has been enlisted in the UNESCO’s cultural unique features of the world.