Three of the most beloved pastimes in Dalmatia

Dalmatia

Croatia’s Dalmatia region is a unique part of the world in many ways. Among the most beloved pastimes, where tradition and community come alive, are games deeply woven into the local culture.

Although we have left off perhaps the most beloved – the fjaka – we look into three of Dalmatia’s beloved pastimes you will be hard pressed not to see locals indulging in during the summer.

Briškula

Briškula is a traditional card game deeply rooted in the culture of Dalmatia.

Played with a deck of 40 cards, it’s a game of strategy and skill that has been passed down through generations, often enjoyed during family gatherings or in the relaxed atmosphere of local taverns.

The game is typically played by two to four players using an Italian deck known locally as “karte za briškulu,” featuring suits of swords, cups, clubs, and coins – or špade, kupe, baštone and dinare.

. The main objective is to score points by capturing valuable cards from the opponent, such as the ace (11 points), three (10 points), king, queen, and jack. The highest card in the trump suit, determined at the beginning of each round, always takes the trick.

Italian deck for Briškula (Photo: CCCKKK/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Briškula combines strategy, memory, and careful observation, as players must track which cards have been played and anticipate their opponents’ moves. The game can be fast-paced and competitive but is often a social experience filled with friendly, and sometimes not so friendly and loud, banter.

Picigin

Picigin is a beach game played in shallow waters, most famously on Split’s Bačvice Beach.

It involves a small, hand-sized ball, typically a peeled tennis ball, which players try to keep in the air as long as possible by tapping it with their palms.

Picigin (Photo credit: Dedinski89/CC BY-SA 4.0)

The goal is not to score points but to keep the ball from touching the water while performing acrobatic dives and dramatic saves.

What makes Picigin special is its simplicity and the athleticism required to play it well. Last year 100 years of Picigin was celebrated.

Picigin being played (Photo credit: Roberta.F/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Picigin is also on the list of Croatia’s intangible cultural heritage.

Balote

Balote, also known as boćanje or bocce, is another beloved pastime in Dalmatia, similar to the Italian game of bocce or French pétanque.

Played on a long, narrow court made of sand or gravel, Balote involves tossing heavy metal or wooden balls (called balote) towards a small target ball, known as the “bulin”.

(Photo credit: ahenobarbus/CC BY 2.0

Players aim to land their balote as close to the bulin as possible while also trying to knock away their opponents’ balls. Balote is typically played in the shade of olive trees or on dedicated courts in Dalmatian villages, where it’s a popular way to pass time, especially among older generations.

(Photo credit: Roberta F./CC BY-SA 3.0)

Briškula, Picigin and Balote are more than just games in Dalmatia; they are integral parts of the region’s culture and lifestyle, bringing people together in celebration of skill, tradition, and camaraderie.