Alka of Sinj: intangible Croatian heritage

In 1818., 205 years ago, after the big victory over the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 18th century, Alka of Sinj was established. This knight game will be played for the 308th time this year.

This traditional equestrian tournament and chivalric competition is an eternal memory of heroism and national pride to this day.

This beautiful piece of intangible Croatian heritage takes place annually in the town of Sinj, Croatia, and is the region’s most significant and well-known cultural event. This event holds great historical and cultural importance and it occurs on the first Sunday in August.

Alka of Sinj, Photo: Julien Duval, Croatian National Tourist Board

The competition involves skilled horseback riders, known as alkar, dressed in traditional uniforms, galloping at full speed down a 160-meter track. The goal is to hit a small iron ring, known as the alka, with a 3-meter-long spear. The ring is hung on a wire above the track at a height of about 3.5 meters. Hitting the center of the ring (known as the “u sridu”) earns the most points while hitting the outer edges of the alka grants fewer points.

The alkar’s performance is judged based on accuracy and the location of the spear’s impact on the alka. The one who scores the most points is declared the winner, and the competition concludes with a grand procession through the town, celebrating the victory.

Alka, Photo: Julien Duval, Croatian National Tourist Board

Alka of Sinj is also listed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010, acknowledging its significance in preserving and promoting traditional Croatian customs and heritage.

This year’s Alka of Sinj is scheduled for August 6th – 8th in Sinj, so if you are passing by, make sure to check on this year’s winners’ grand procession.