300th Sinjska Alka Gets Underway in Sinj
- by croatiaweek
- in News
Not many events in the world are celebrating their 300th edition…
The 300th Sinjska Alka Knights lancing tournament got underway in the southern Croatian town of Sinj yesterday, an event which has been held since 1715.
Sinjska alka, as the event is known, is an equestrian competition commemorating the victory over the advancing Ottoman Turkish administration in the 18th century. Now in its 300th year, the Alka Knights Games sees various horsemen attempt to aim their lances at a hanging metal ring, known as the Alka, at full gallop.
Only men born in Sinj and surrounding villages are eligible to take part in the event and with it comes considerable prestige. The costumes worn by the alkar men are the same that were worn by the warriors in the 18th century. Sinjska alka were inscribed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2010.
The final of the Sinjska alka will be held on Sunday.
