Sinjska Alka is a Croatian equestrian competition created in the early 18th century.
Sinjska Alka is a Croatian equestrian competition created in the early 18th century. It is held every year on the first Sunday in August to commemorate the victory of the knights of Sinj over the Ottomans in 1715.
It takes place according to a strictly codified ordinance. Only boys born in Cetinska Krajina (the Cetina region) are allowed to participate in individual competitions from 11 to a maximum of 17 alkars (horsemen in full regalia). An alkar at full gallop, without rising from the saddle, holds a lance and aims for the alka – a hoop with 4 splits placed at a height of 3.32 meters. A score in each of the divisions yields one, two, or three points, respectively. A hit to the very center is worth three points. Every hit u sridu (the center or middle) is accompanied by brass music and the shooting of an antique cannon – mačkula. The goal of the game is to collect as many points as possible in three attempts. The lucky winner is the alkar who collects the most points. If, after three attempts, two or more competitors have the same number of points, they continue to compete in the so-called pripetavanje until one of them becomes a winner.
On the very day Alka is held, there is a specific sequence of events traditionally observed. The procession consists of a vojvoda (duke), alkar helpers, a troop of boys, and escort, all dressed in clothes and ceremonial robes identical to those of the 18th century. Mačkule cannons sound off in the morning, and then the music plays a wake-up call on the main streets of Sinj. After the awakening, the alkari and the people gather in the City, and representatives of church, military, and political authorities are invited to Alka before noon. Two hours before the beginning of Alka itself, trumpeters and drummers invite the contestants to gather in festive robes with historical equipment and weapons. A final check of the alkars is carried out, after which they head to the duke, accompanied by trumpets and drums, in the alkar courts and prepare for the competition.
If you’ve always wanted to attend a knight’s tournament, this is the perfect opportunity. You may not be able to become a glorious victor who will be celebrated by the entire city, but you can be a part of the audience. And that in and of itself is a great honor 😊