Božić nam je, drago nam je (veselanje) – Čapljina, BiH

Muška pjevačka skupina iz Čapljine

Ivan Vidić – First Voice (prvi glas)
Antonijo Sušac – Second Voice (drugi glas)

The male vocal group from Čapljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is composed of young enthusiasts who are committed to cultivating local Herzegovinian musical traditions. They are conscious cultural transmitters who play traditional instruments such as the gusle and lijerica, and also perform distinctive forms of folk singing: 'ganga' and 'putničko pjevanje'. They are also actively involved in organizing cultural and folkloric events, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the regional identity and intangible cultural heritage of Herzegovina.

Čapljina is a town in southern Herzegovina, situated on the Neretva River, known for its mild Mediterranean climate and rich cultural heritage. It is renowned for its proximity to the historic town of Počitelj, the Hutovo Blato nature reserve, and its deeply rooted folk traditions, particularly Herzegovinian music and song. Čapljina is a place where nature, history, and vibrant local culture create a cohesive and authentic whole.

The region of Western Herzegovina is characterized by a distinctive karst landscape and scattered settlements with stone architecture. It is a land of pastoral traditions, the hardy nature of its inhabitants, the distinctive 'ganga' singing, and numerous ritual customs. Despite modern changes, the region has retained a strong cultural authenticity, and local ensembles play a key role in maintaining it.

Veselanje is a traditional ritual song performed during the Christmas season (Božić), characteristic of Herzegovina and the island of Korčula. The name comes from the refrain "veselo" ("merry"), alluding to the joyful nature of the ritual. Veselanje, like "koleda" (Christmas caroling), has pre-Christian roots that were later Christianized in Croatian culture. The songs accompanying this custom touch on a variety of themes—from religious, historical, mythical, and even love—and many of them today have significant artistic and documentary value as part of the living heritage of oral tradition.

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About us – Balkan Polyphony is a field research project that collects traditional music from the Balkan area. We are not interested in any ideologies, we don’t take sides in any historical conflicts. What interests us is traditional culture and its musical intricacies.
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Our Partners: National Museum Zadar, Ethnological Department; CreArt; Academy of Arts, University of Banja Luka