Stipe Jukić, president of the Knightly Alkars' Society, confirmed the arrival of the President of the Republic, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Prime Minister, noting that interest in the Alka is so high that tickets were sold online for the first time and sold out in record time.
Ahead of the 311th Sinjska Alka, Stipe Jukić, president of the Knightly Alkars' Society (VAD), appeared on Hit radio to share the latest details about the country's premier knightly tournament. He confirmed that the full state leadership will attend the ceremony and that the Alka's global recognition is exceptionally high.
Jukić explicitly stated that the competition will be watched from the Ceremonial Lodge by the President of the Republic of Croatia and patron of the Alka, Zoran Milanović, Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. In addition, numerous MPs, ministers, and diplomatic representatives are expected to attend.
"Yes, that is a wealth we have as an association. Every year, the Alka is attended by the President of the State, the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, and the Prime Minister, representatives of all parties, from left to right and center, a great many people, many associations, and we receive many guests from Greece, Switzerland, Italy, and Hungary. So, the Alka has been branded in a positive way, and I think that is an honor for all of us."
Jukić said this for Hit radio, emphasizing that this broad support and international interest are proof of the event's successful branding.
This year, for the first time in history, VAD introduced online ticket sales, which proved to be a resounding success. Tickets sold out in record time, and Jukić admits it was an unknown for the Society as well.
"This year we embarked on that venture, which was also an unknown to us. I think it's a good thing, and we will refine it further, making it better and more accessible year after year for people who truly want to watch the Alka."
He added that interest is not limited to Sinj and the Cetina region, as demand has far exceeded the racecourse's capacity. "Everyone would like to secure tickets for their guests, but the capacity we have is too small for such great interest," he explained.
Jukić also touched on the weather, admitting conditions are challenging. "We would prefer it to be ten degrees cooler, but I'm afraid it won't be," he said. Nevertheless, he stressed that the alkars and their squires are ready to showcase their skills on the racecourse after completing most of their preparations.
At the end of the interview, he called on all residents of Sinj and the Cetina region to open their hearts to visitors. "We have every reason to celebrate together, because we have the Alka, a world cultural gem," Jukić concluded.
