Sinjska Alka starts today

One of the most special events in Croatia is Sinjska Alka. Do you know that in 2010 UNESCO included it in the List of World Intangible Heritage?

Alka is held every year at the beginning of August in commemoration of the victory of the people of Sinj in the battle against the Turks in 1715, who wanted to conquer the Sinj fortress. This year we are expecting the 307th edition, reports putovnica.net.

It is important to note that there were similar competitions in other European regions, but the Sinj version introduced one important innovation – apart from the military aristocracy, other locals could also participate. While similar events in the rest of Europe were permanently or temporarily extinguished over time, Alka is the only one that has survived continuously for almost three centuries.

Some more interesting facts about Sinjska alka

– The name alka comes from the Turkish word halqa, which means ring or hoop, and refers to the detail of the base of the stirrup on the saddle of the seized horse of a Turkish pasha.

– Nikola Cerinić won the most titles, 12 times, which is the most in history. He won three times with three center strikes.

– Ante Grabovac Ivanov has the largest number of performances – 45 times, and was the winner four times.

This year, Alka takes place on August 5, 6 and 7.

Read the full article HERE.