PHOTOS: Sinjska Alka is held for the 309th time
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
309th Sinjska Alka (Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Dario Andrišek)
Sinjska Alka, a traditional equestrian tournament, was celebrated in Sinj, Croatia for the 309th time on Sunday.
The event, steeped in history and tradition, was attended by the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, who congratulated this year’s winner, Jure Domazet Lošo, addressing him as a “proud son of the Cetina region and Croatian Dalmatia.”
Milanović urged Lošo to carry the banner of victory proudly through the streets of Sinj, a city he referred to as the cradle of chivalry and the Alka tradition.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Dario Andrišek)
The Sinjska Alka commemorates the victory over the Ottoman army in 1715, symbolising the historical conflict between Europe and the Ottoman Empire, and between Christianity and Islam.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Dario Andrišek)
The tournament involves horsemen aiming their lances at a metal ring, the Alka, while galloping at full speed. The Alka consists of two concentric iron circles joined by three bars, dividing the distance between them into three equal parts.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Dario Andrišek)
The smallest central circle is worth three points, the upper segment two points, and the two lower segments one point each. Participation in the event is a matter of great prestige, open only to men born in Sinj and nearby villages.
The participants don traditional costumes identical to those worn by 18th-century warriors. In 2010, the Sinjska Alka was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, recognising its cultural significance and historical value.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Dario Andrišek)
Through this celebration, the Sinjska Alka continues to be a testament to the enduring spirit and cultural heritage of the Croatian people.
As the patron of the event, President Milanović presented the victor with a sword and a gold ring adorned with the Croatian coat of arms.
He was accompanied by the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, who was a special guest at this year’s Alka. This historic event, which symbolises bravery, unity, and triumph, attracted numerous dignitaries from Croatia and abroad.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Dario Andrišek)
In his speech, President Milanović reflected on the history of the Alka, which dates back to 1715.
He noted that the Alka has always been adaptable and has mirrored contemporary events while maintaining a non-political stance. He drew a parallel between the Alka and the Homeland War, which ended with a significant victory for the Croatian army in early August, coinciding with the Alka festivities. Milanović expressed his belief that this timing was not a coincidence but rather a reflection of the nation’s historical consciousness.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Dario Andrišek)
He described the Alka as a source of national pride and spiritual renewal for Croatia.
President Milanović also extended a warm welcome to President Vjosa Osmani, acknowledging Kosovo as a friendly nation that has faced a fate similar to Croatia’s. He highlighted the initial struggles of Croatia, which was defended by a few brave individuals without external support, while Kosovo had significant initial support that has since dwindled.
He emphasised the ongoing challenges faced by Kosovo, as five EU and NATO members have yet to recognise its independence. Milanović’s invitation to Osmani was a gesture of solidarity and recognition for Kosovo.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Dario Andrišek)
Concluding his speech, President Milanović quoted a celebrated Croatian journalist from Sinj, who captured the essence of the Alka: “Bearing is everything, for both horse and man. The Alka must be beautiful, more beautiful, and the most beautiful. It must embody upbringing, heroism, tradition, honesty, and joy. The Alka must be joy. Let us rejoice and look forward to next year!” he concluded.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Dario Andrišek)
Prior to the 309th Sinjska Alka, Presidents Milanović and Osmani, along with their spouses, visited the exhibition “Vanja Radauš and Stipe Sikirica – A Dialogue Between Teacher and Student” with guidance from curator Ana Žanko.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Dario Andrišek)
They also toured the Sinjska Alka Museum and attended a reception hosted by the Duke, where Stipe Jukić, President of the Alka Knights Society, presented them with commemorative gifts. President Milanović was joined at the celebration by his advisors Melita Mulić and Neven Pelicarić, who specialise in human rights and civil society, and foreign and European policy, respectively.
