Tocati, a shared programme for the safeguarding of traditional games and sports - The traditional game pljočkanje
Tocatì is a joint program aiming at preservation of traditional games and sports. It developed over the years with the help of the international network of communities, groups and individuals that practice traditional games, with the support of the local, national and international institutions and associations.
Croatia joined the network by pljočkanje, its traditional folk game that was played in Istria.
The traditional game called pljočkanje developed from a folk shepherd game (commonly played by children to use time while tending cattle) and was known throughout Istria. It dates back to the 17th century when it was first mentioned in written documents.
The name pljočkanje stems from the main prop used in the game called – pljočka – a palm-sized flat stone (thickness: 2 to 4 cm). The game used to be played on the unmarked areas in fields, kampanja, or on the roads. It was played from the spring to late autumn, i.e. during the time of pasture.
Thanks to the effort of enthusiasts the game was brought back to life in the 1970s. At the beginning of the 1990s certain individuals and organisations increased their engagement and took the pljočkanje game to a higher level. An increasing number of lovers of the game started to organise into clubs. From the perspective of a wider community, pljočkanje is a part of the cultural identity. It is not only a game, it is an opportunity for cross-generational gatherings, exchange of experience, preservation of local dialects and a way of safeguarding and respecting the tradition.
Croatia joined the network by pljočkanje, its traditional folk game that was played in Istria.
The traditional game called pljočkanje developed from a folk shepherd game (commonly played by children to use time while tending cattle) and was known throughout Istria. It dates back to the 17th century when it was first mentioned in written documents.
The name pljočkanje stems from the main prop used in the game called – pljočka – a palm-sized flat stone (thickness: 2 to 4 cm). The game used to be played on the unmarked areas in fields, kampanja, or on the roads. It was played from the spring to late autumn, i.e. during the time of pasture.
Thanks to the effort of enthusiasts the game was brought back to life in the 1970s. At the beginning of the 1990s certain individuals and organisations increased their engagement and took the pljočkanje game to a higher level. An increasing number of lovers of the game started to organise into clubs. From the perspective of a wider community, pljočkanje is a part of the cultural identity. It is not only a game, it is an opportunity for cross-generational gatherings, exchange of experience, preservation of local dialects and a way of safeguarding and respecting the tradition.