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Medimurska Popevka



Medimurska Popevka is a traditional folk song in Croatia which historically was a soloist vocal genre sung by women. It can be performed as a musical genre or incorporated into dance by individuals, groups, men and women, in vocal, vocal-instrumental, instrumental, monophonic, and multipart variations.

The lyrics serve as a basis for categorizing the popevkas into several different categories, including love popevkas, sad-melancholic Popelka, humorous popevkas, and church popevkas. Originally from Medimurje region in northern Croatia, this song is widely practiced in the northern part of Croatia along the Slovenian and Hungarian borders.

Although the popevka has been performed since the 16th century, it was historically predominantly a genre practiced by women, today it is performed in many versions and occasions, and it is a part of the identity of all people in Međimurje. Every day, average inhabitants experience popevka in many situations and are encouraged to participate in music-making at such times.

In addition to folk songs, the medimurska popevka is also an element of traditional dances in this area. However, everyday life in Medimurje ensures this folksong's future because it’s not necessarily connected to stage performances but rather a daily part of everyday life.

Known as the soundtrack of growing up, falling in love, getting married, attending religious services, having fun, and sometimes even crying, all sprinkled with the authentic melancholy found in this region ensconced between two rivers, the Mura and the Drava.

In addition to solitary music-making, it is practiced in a wide range of social situations, such as family and community gatherings, work gatherings, religious events, and public performances within and outside Međimurje.

The Society for the Preservation of Art and Culture is primarily tasked with preserving the value of this tradition. Today, approximately fifty singers are considered masters of the art of singing. These individuals' skills and knowledge were critical in ensuring the popevka was listed as an intangible heritage of humanity, with experts and the support of local and national institutions.

And traditionally, women are the mentors who transmit the practice of popevka to the next generation. Numerous people are hardworking to keep this legacy alive and numerous singers are making music from this region, but Elizabeta Toplek, known by her stage name Teta Liza, is the most loyal voice of medimurska popevka, who is bringing this Croatian musical treasure to international audiences. She will be helping introduce other performers to the heritage and win them over to the music.


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