Traditional folk music is one of the fundamental cultural attributes of nations and national identity. Developed over centuries, it conveys stories, emotions, and experiences passed down through generations, reflecting historical events, societal changes, and cultural influences that have shaped the nation, thereby becoming a recognizable symbol of national identity. People often form emotional connections with traditional music, reminding them of their affiliation with a specific culture or nation, fostering pride in their roots, and contributing to the strengthening of their national identity. In the Balkans, various nations and ethnic groups stand out through their unique ethnographic characteristics, including a rich folk tradition expressed through the composition and performance of traditional folk songs characterized by distinct singing styles, dancing, and the use of diverse traditional musical instruments. This musical heritage reflects deep cultural roots and connects different communities in the region. The focus of this graduation dissertation is to highlight the significance of preserving traditional folk music using the example of the Croatian community inside city of Jajce and it's surroundings. Thesis seeks to provide a concise historical overview of traditional folk music, the development and most frequently used types of traditional musical instruments, and analyze the current attitudes and opinions of the residents of Jajce regarding the level of engagement of the local population in preserving cultural traditions within the framework of composing and performing folk songs, with particular attention to the involvement of women, given that the history of the Balkan people traditionally signifies a lack of women's participation in these cultural activities