Moj Nadinu na tvrdom kamenu – Nadin, HR

KUD “Sveti Ante” Nadin

Anica Vrsaljko – Lead Voice (prvi glas)
Mirjana Vrsaljko, Nikolina Margarin, Lana Vrsaljko,
Ivana Bučić, Leona Vrsaljko, Nika Kresoja,
Gordana Nimčević, Senka Vrsaljko, Danica Smolić Ročak,
Lenka Dupljanović – Second Voice (pratnja)

Lyrics (ENG)

My Nadin, my Nadin built on a hard rock
We wil cherish your memory

The moonlight was shining above Gradina
I waited for the dawn there, my dear

There's no better flower than liliac
There are no better boys than Nadinjani

I will dress like my mother
There is no better gown than vuštan

Sain Anthony, saint Anthony, I keep you in my heart
My Nadin, my Nadin, I am proud of you

I was herding sheep and cattle
And kissing the one my mom told me not to kiss

Lyrics (HR)

Moj Nadinu, moj Nadinu na tvrdom kamenu
Čuvat ćemo, čuvat ćemo tvoju uspomenu

Na Gradini, na Gradini misečina sjala
Tu san dragi, tu san dragi zoru dočekala

Nema cvita, nema cvita što su jorgovani
Ni momaka što su Nadinjani

Nosiću se, nosiću se ko i moja nana
Lipše robe, lipše robe nema do vuštana

Sveti Ante, sveti Ante, u srcu te nosim
Moj Nadinu, moj Nadinu, s tobom se ponosim

Čuvala sam, čuvala san ovce i goveda
I ljubila, i ljubila što mi majka ne da


KUD “Sveti Ante” Nadin was founded in November 2006 to cherish and preserve the local heritage and folklore of Nadin village, as well as the entire Ravni Kotari region. The ensemble represents the Dinaric ethnographic zone and the distinctive style of the area. The group has three sections: singing, dancing, and a section dedicated to traditional customs. The group is made up of people of different ages, with special attention paid to passing on traditions to younger generations. This approach allows not only to develop the artistic skills of children and young people, but also to strengthen their bond with local traditions and respect for the cultural heritage of the region.

Nadin is a village located in the Ravni Kotari region of northern Dalmatia, near the city of Zadar. It is located in the fertile hills of the region, which is famous for its climate and soil perfect for growing grapes and olives. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood here, and wine and olive oil production are key components of the local economy. Nadin is known for its production of high-quality wines, especially from autochthonous varieties that have won acclaim both in Croatia and abroad. Residents of the village cultivate rich musical and folk traditions, which are an integral part of the local identity.

Ravni Kotari is a region in northern Dalmatia, Croatia, stretching between Zadar and the Krka River. It is an area with an unusually rich history and tradition combining many cultures. The fertile plains located here have been conducive to settlement and agriculture for centuries, making Ravni Kotari a place where Slavic, Venetian, and Ottoman influences mingled. The region is known for its strong folk traditions, expressed mainly through music, dances, and crafts. Traditional music includes distinctive ojkanje songs and kolo dancing, performed during festivals and events. These art forms not only provide entertainment, but also express identity and belonging to a region that has gone through various political and cultural transformations over the centuries.

“Moj nadinu na tvrdom kamenu” is a traditional song from Ravni Kotari sung in “na bas” style. It is characterized by two-part harmony. It is practiced across the Balkans with different regional variants. It is based on intervals of a third, quart, and fifth. The lyrics describe everyday life of the community and are strongly associated with the local identity.

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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 Partner: Narodni muzej Zadar, Etnološki odjel (National Museum Zadar, Ethnological Department)