The northern Dalmatian island of Pag stretches out across the Velebit mountain, near the Gulf of Quarnero. The specific feature of the traditional music of the island of Pag is variety of musical traditions. The Northern part of island (Novalja) musical tradition was influenced by Quarnero island musical traditions. The town of Pag musical tradition has more in common with the urban musical traditions, while Southern part of the island (Povljana, Vlasici) had musical features similar to the Dinaric Hinterland (Ravni Kotari) musical traditions (pjevanje na bas).

Kolan, the village in the middle of the island of Pag, is the only settlement where the older layer of musical tradition is a part of regular musical practice of the community. Tourism, the main economic resource for the rest of islands' communities is not predominant in Kolan.

Kolan (part 1) (file wmv, 48", 930 Kb)

The main economic resource of Kolan is cattle-rising and cheese production. Paski sir (sheep cheese) is a renowned product of exceptional quality. Kanat/kantanje, the term that describes singing in Kolan belongs to the older tradition of polyphonic singing styles.