# Balkan klapa choir festivals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-klapa-choir-festivals
> Updated: 2026-08-12T21:14:22.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 4.

In late July and early August 2026, the Balkans hosted several festivals celebrating the klapa singing tradition. 

The 12th Klapska Festival in Posušje, Bosnia‑Herzegovina, held at Trg hrvatskih branitelja, featured 19 ensembles (eight male and eleven female groups) from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. The event was attended by a delegation from the Croatian National Assembly of BiH, including Darijana Filipović, State Secretary Zvonko Milas, and mayor Anto Begić. Officials emphasized the festival’s role in preserving Croatian cultural heritage and strengthening identity across borders. Awards were presented to klapa Krunik (first), klapa Priženca (second), and klapa Podvorje (third and audience prize Bura). Performances included tenor Đani Stipaničev and šansoniér Darko Domijan. Josipa Nenadić, acting director of the Posušje Tourist Board, noted the festival’s importance in promoting cultural tourism. The event operated under the patronage of Dr. Dragan Čović and received sponsorship from various BiH ministries and JP Elektroprivreda HZ‑HB.

In Klis, Croatia, the annual Klape na Klisu festival was moved to the Dom kulture venue due to inclement weather. Organized by the Croatian Society Trpimir Klisi and presented by Trpimir Glavina, the program featured youth groups from the Josipa Hatze Music School alongside veteran choirs like Filip Dević and Omiš.

Additionally, the ‘Briješka zvona’ manifestation in Široki Brijeg, Bosnia and Herzegovina, included the 1st Klapa Meeting titled ‘Volim te, grade moj’. Organized by the Široki Brijeg Tourist Board, the meeting featured groups such as female klapa Rozeta and male klapas Dobrkovići, Brig, and sv. Mihovil to promote the tradition in the Herzegovina region.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Široki Brijeg hosts youth art exhibition and klapa music meeting

Široki Brijeg hosted cultural events including a youth art exhibition featuring 52 works and the inaugural Klapa Meeting to promote traditional singing.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iroki-brijeg-hosts-youth-art-exhibition-and-klapa-music-meeting

### 2026-07-31: Posušje Klapske Pisme Festival 2026 Celebrates Croatian Heritage

The 12th Posušje Klapske Pisme Festival (2026) featured 19 klapas, awarded krunik first place, and highlighted Croatian cultural heritage with speeches from Darijana Filipović and Zvonko Milas.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sergej-etkovi-headlines-porcijunkulovo-festival-in-akovci

### 2026-07-27: Klis, Croatia hosts annual Klape na Klisu choir festival

Klis, Croatia hosted the Klape na Klisu choir festival, moving indoors due to weather and showcasing youth and veteran klapa groups under municipal and sponsor support.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klis-croatia-hosts-annual-klape-na-klisu-choir-festival

### 2026-07-24: Posušje's Klapska Festival showcases top regional choirs

Posušje hosted the 12th Klapska Festival (1‑2 Aug 2026), featuring 17 male and female choirs from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, boosting cultural tourism in the region.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klis-fortress-in-croatia-hosts-historic-uskoki-boj-spectacle

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Cite as: Balkan klapa choir festivals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-klapa-choir-festivals