Alongside the alkars and their squires, the entire leadership of the Knightly Alkars' Society gathered in the Basilica of Our Lady of Sinj. Today, rehearsals with the alkar squires are scheduled.
In Sinj, on Monday, August 3, 2026, the final preparations for the 311th Sinjska Alka officially commenced. A solemn Mass for the alkars, their squires, and all members of the Knightly Alkars' Society (VAD) was held in the Basilica of Our Lady of Sinj, marking the beginning of a week filled with ceremonial and traditional gatherings.
The Mass was led by the guardian of Sinj and rector of the basilica, assisted by Friar Šimun Markulin. This celebration carried additional symbolic weight as it was one of the last public events in which Friar Markulin participated in Sinj before his departure to a new post in the Vatican. The singing was enhanced by the mixed choir of the Parish of Our Lady of Sinj.
Before the Mass, the alkars and their squires, led by Alkar Duke Mario Šušnjar, gathered in the courtyard of the Franciscan Monastery, from where they entered the church in a ceremonial procession. Alongside the Duke, his closest associates were present: Alaj-Čauš Ivica Filipović Grčić and the Harambaša. Sources differ on the Harambaša's name, Cronika.hr lists Pavao Križanac, while Ferata writes Pavle Križanac.
The entire leadership of the Knightly Alkars' Society attended the Mass. Present were the President of the Management Board, Dr. Stipo Jukić, the President of the Honorary Court, Boško Vladović, the President of the Supervisory Board, Hrvoje Markulin, and the VAD host, Jerko Ivandić. As this is an election year for the Knightly Alkars' Society, the gathering carried an additional ceremonial dimension.
Following the Mass, the official photographing of all bodies and members of the Society took place in front of the Altar of Our Lady, a customary part of the pre-Alka tradition. Photographer Petar Malbaša first captured the alkars and their squires, then the members of the management, the Honorary Court, and the Supervisory Board, and finally a group photo of all attendees with the celebrant, Friar Marinko Vukman.
On the same day, August 3, at 5:30 PM, new Alka rehearsals are scheduled. According to Ferata, the alkar lancers will be joined by the alkar squires. The Harambaša has already conducted the roll call of the selected participants, and the rehearsals will include Deputy Harambaša Ivan Vladović, first lancers Marko Podrug and Sašo Miletić, as well as the alkar squires: Mladen Budimir Bekan, Antonio Šimić, Petar Jelinčić, Ivan Pralija, Josip Vučić, Ivan Milošević, Miljenko Lovrić, Josip Prolić, Domagoj Delija, Marinko Majstrović, Ivan Vukasović, Ante Klapež (farewell), Petar Cvitković, Joško Galić, Lovrin Tomašević, Siniša Šabić, Zdeslav Ćurković, Ante Bradarić, Petar Delić, Branimir Filipović Grčić, Jure Vojković, Mario Bošnjak, Bože Jagnjić, Marko Jelinčić, Ivan Vitić, Ivan Vučković, Mateo Marić, Stipe Pletikosić, Anđelko Vučković (farewell), Marko Mrđen, and two debutants, Bože Poljak and Josip Maras.
Also participating in the rehearsals will be shield-bearer Ante Perajica (farewell), mace-bearers Bože Ivandić and Mirko Malbaša, horse guides Ante Čovo and Damir Kovač Levantin, and drummers Goran Bikić, Stipe Botica, Damir Vučković (farewell), and Zoran Mastelić (farewell).
The 311th Sinjska Alka itself, held continuously since 1715 in honor of the city's defense against the Ottoman army, is scheduled for Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Sinj lancing field.
