The entire state leadership, led by Milanović, Jandroković, and Plenković, arrives at the traditional knightly tournament, with Sinj expecting around 40,000 visitors.
Sinj is hosting the 311th Sinjska Alka on Sunday, August 9, 2026, one of Croatia's most significant cultural events. Seventeen alkar lancers will compete in three races, aiming at the alka ring, and the entire Cetinska krajina region has been buzzing with the rhythm of this centuries-old tradition since early morning.
President Zoran Milanović, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković have confirmed their attendance at the Alka. Alkar Duke Mario Šušnjara expressed satisfaction that the state leadership has been gracing the event for years. "We are extremely pleased that interest in the Alka is high and that we can help Sinj, Dalmatia, and Croatia. We are also glad to have the support of the entire state leadership; they have been coming to the Alka for years and enhancing our knightly tradition," Šušnjara told Dnevno.hr.
Among the numerous guests who arrived in the town beneath Kamičak, photojournalists also captured Zagreb's mayor, Tomislav Tomašević. Prime Minister Plenković is expected to address journalists around 3:15 PM in front of the Church of Our Lady of Sinj, just before the main part of the program and the Alka competition. The Sinjska Alka is not just a sporting event but also an opportunity to see and be seen. Everyone attending the Alka makes sure to dress up, and photojournalists captured interesting fashion combinations among political teams. The HDZ team, including Marin Urlić, Mate Budimir, Vice Oršulić, Daniela Marasović Krstulović, Jakov Ćaleta, and Andro Krstulović Opara, as well as the SDP team with Ante Bilić, Sabina Glasovac, and others, were caught on camera. Prime Minister Plenković was also photographed in the company of alaj-čauš Ivica Filipović Grčić.
The day began as early as 6 AM when the city brass band paraded through Sinj's streets, traditionally waking the town. This was followed by a history lesson, wreath-laying ceremonies, and Mass, while the Alka carriage invited representatives of church, secular, and military authorities to the festivities.
At 2 PM, a ceremonial lunch was held, after which the alkars began to gather and don their festive uniforms. The reception at the Alkar Dukes' residence was scheduled for 3 PM, after which the procession headed to the racecourse. The race itself began at 4:13 PM, with the broadcast on HRT's Second Channel and the HRTi app starting at 4:30 PM. The day-long program concludes with an evening concert by Siniša Vuco at Trg dr. Franje Tuđmana at 10 PM.
Journalist Regina Zubanović reported from the home of the alaj-čauš, where preparations had been underway for weeks. She highlighted the immense effort put in by the alkars' families behind the entire event. "The alkars are always in the spotlight, but their families have had their hands full these days. Wife Marija leads the entire team that ensures everyone is fed, happy, and satisfied," Zubanović said.
Marija, the alaj-čauš's wife, revealed that preparations began about a month ago, with the last ten days being particularly intense. She emphasized that their home is open to all. "Everyone is invited to our place; any passerby who sees something happening can stop by. This is the home of the alaj-čauš, where the Alka procession forms, and people want to see that. My favorite moments are when we have guests who see it for the first time; they are the most enthusiastic," Marija told Dnevno.hr.
Before the competition began, Alkar Duke Mario Šušnjara confirmed that everything was ready. "The alkars are ready, the horses are in shape, and we look forward to the heroic contest beginning. We are currently at lunch, as are all the other alkars. Soon we will start dressing in our uniforms and begin the Alka ceremonies," Šušnjara said.
It is estimated that around 40,000 people could visit Sinj during the day. Interest in the stands is enormous, but the seating capacity is limited to just 5,000 places. Numerous visitors have gathered on the streets, including those who come every year for the tradition and others experiencing the Alka for the first time. The Sinjska Alka attracts not only a domestic audience but also a growing number of tourists year after year. Although the Tourist Board does not have precise data on how many foreign guests come solely for the Alka, indicators point to an increase in day-trippers.
"We want to preserve our tradition, and it's wonderful that it is respected, truly wonderful," one visitor said. Another added: "I came from Solin, but I'm originally from Sinj; it's impossible not to come." One visitor revealed that although he did not become an alkar, he knows horses well and regularly follows the Alka. "I didn't become an alkar, but I understand horses; I always follow the Alka and try to come to Sinj," he concluded.
Tonight, they will celebrate at the home of one of the alkars, and all 17 families are already prepared for the traditional celebration that follows once this year's victor is announced.
