The unique knightly tournament from August 7 to 9, 2026, at the Alka Racetrack celebrates over three centuries of history, honor, and pride, with long-time sponsor Tommy ensuring that even the festive tables are not left empty.
Sinj has once again donned its most festive attire. The town beneath the Old Fortress is alive with preparations for a new edition of the Sinjska Alka, an event that for over three centuries has been more than just a knightly tournament-it is a symbol of identity, pride, and unity for the Cetina region and all of Croatia.
This year's Alka begins on Friday, August 7, 2026, and culminates in the main alka race on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Alka Racetrack in Sinj. The event's roots trace back to the early 18th century, when it emerged as a continuation of knightly competitions held throughout Venetian Dalmatia, in honor of the famous defense of Sinj against the Ottomans in 1715 and as a token of gratitude to Our Lady of Sinj.
The core of the Alka is a unique competition in which alka riders, members of the Knightly Alka Society, attempt to score as many points as possible in three races. The most significant moment is the alka race: a rider on horseback gallops 160 meters and aims a lance at a small iron ring, the alka. Hitting the very center, which riders call "u sridu", brings the highest honor.
After three races, the victor is proclaimed. The duke places a flame of the Croatian tricolor on his lance, and the victory is celebrated with cannon fire from the Old Fortress. Before the weekend's climax, two full rehearsals, Bara and Čoja, are held, following the competition rules but without the full ceremonial attire.
The Alka weekend is not just an event at the racetrack. It is a time when families and friends gather around the table, celebrating the traditions and flavors of this region. As a long-time proud sponsor of the Sinjska Alka, Tommy once again plays a key role in creating that special atmosphere.
Tommy offers its customers everything needed for a complete festive gathering experience. A special place is reserved for the Tommy butcher shop, where carefully selected meat specialties such as lamb, veal, and suckling pig can be found-indispensable at Dalmatian celebrations. For the Alka, special promotional prices on meat have been prepared. Additionally, a rich selection of wines at special prices and Delicato products, from cheeses to cured meats like prosciutto, pancetta, and kulen, complete the offering for a table worthy of this tradition.
"For Tommy, the partnership with the Alka is not just sponsorship, but a way to be part of a story that connects the past and the future, customs and new generations," the company states.
Every detail of the Alka carries special significance. From the alka riders' uniforms, lances, and sabers that symbolize the knightly past, to the alka attendants, trumpeters, and drummers who complete the procession. The alka horses also play a special role, with riders building years of trust to endure the demanding race.
Being an alka rider is not just about participating in the competition; it is an honor and responsibility that lasts all year. The Sinjska Alka thus remains a symbol of values that have been preserved and passed down to new generations for centuries, recognized and supported by Tommy, ensuring that tradition lives on both at the racetrack and at the family table.
