Sinjska Alka
Sinjska Alka
On this day, young men who have trained throughout the year ride horses headlong down the steep 140-yard run and try to spear an iron ring, or alka, suspended from a rope about nine feet off the ground. The ring has a diameter of six inches and within it is another two-inch ring. The jouster who most successfully spears the rings in three tries is the winner and receives a sash and silver medal. The band plays a triumphal march and shots are fired for all top scorers.
Before the contest, there is a ceremonial procession through the streets. The contestants march through Sinj accompanied by their mace bearers and shield bearers wearing 18th-century costumes decorated with gold and silver.
Sinj Tourist Information Office
Vrlicka 50
Sinj, 21 230 Croatia
385-21-826-352; fax: 385-21-826-352
www.tzsinj.hr
Alka Tournament of Sinj
Chivalric Association of Alkars
Sinj, Croatia
www.alka.hr
IntlThFolk-1979, p. 403