Sinj hosted tens of thousands of visitors and the entire state leadership, while Mayor Miro Bulj refused to sit in the official box with the government due to the closure of the maternity ward, and Prime Minister Plenković announced weekly fuel price adjustments.
To the sounds of a brass band that woke the town at six in the morning and paraded through its streets, Sinj welcomed the 311th edition of the Sinjska Alka on Sunday. This knightly tournament, under UNESCO protection, once again drew a massive crowd, with organizers estimating that up to 40,000 visitors could attend throughout the day.
Seventeen alkar lancers competed for the prestigious title of victor, with their families having been at the center of intense preparations for days. As reporter Regina Zubanović reported during the day, the home of the alaj-čauš was open to all passersby, and his wife Marija, who led the organization, highlighted hospitality as one of the core values of the event. "Everyone is welcome at our place; any passerby who sees something happening can stop by," Marija said.
Before the competition began, Duke of the Alka Mario Šušnjara stated that the alkars were ready and the horses in excellent condition. "We look forward to the heroic contest," Šušnjara said, adding that he was delighted that interest in the Alka remains strong and that the event has the support of the entire state leadership.
In his opening speech, Šušnjara particularly emphasized the importance of unity and patriotism, telling the gathered crowd: "What unites us is always greater than what divides us." He then called for the preservation of tradition and values, highlighting this year's motto: "Let us protect Croatia, its values and tradition, and let us protect one another!"
Traditionally, the Sinjska Alka also brought together the entire Croatian political leadership. President Zoran Milanović, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, and Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević all arrived in Sinj. In the ceremonial box, Plenković was joined by Dragan Čović, president of the HDZ of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, not everyone shared the same box. Sinj Mayor Miro Bulj refused to sit with the government and issued sharp criticism of health policy. "Today, those who closed the maternity ward and literally destroyed health services will be 'posing' with the alkars in the ceremonial box," Bulj said. He added that throughout Sinj's history, from the Ottoman conquerors to today, the maternity ward had never been closed, emphasizing that childbirth and the Alka are key to the identity of not only Sinj and Dalmatia but all of Croatia.
Stipe Jukić, president of the Sinj Knightly Alka Society, stressed in his address that the Alka is not just a game but a symbol of freedom deeply woven into the identity of the people of the Cetina region. "With every performance and presentation to the world, we are actually telling the story of the history and culture of the Croatian people, of winemaking, bravery, and chivalry, which was especially demonstrated during the defensive Homeland War and the magnificent Operation Storm," Jukić said. Before the competition, at the traditional duke's reception in the Alkarski dvori, Jukić further emphasized that the Alka, along with the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, is indelibly woven into the identity of the people of the Cetina region.
Asked about Bulj's criticisms and the conflict between the Sinj Knightly Alka Society and the City of Sinj, Prime Minister Plenković showed little interest. "He said all that? I have no idea, nor do I care," he replied curtly. He then listed the government's investments in Dalmatia and emphasized his personal connection to the Alka, reminding that he brought it to Brussels as an MEP.
Plenković also took the opportunity to announce a change in the way fuel prices are regulated. "I have good news. After receiving the data, we decided to change the methodology, and the government will now react on a weekly basis rather than biweekly," he stated. According to him, prices will be lower for all five energy products as early as Monday morning: eurosuper by 6 euro cents per liter, eurodiesel by 4, blue diesel by 3, and gas in tanks and bottles by 8 euro cents. This announcement provides more precise figures than the initial statement reported by some media, which mentioned a reduction of six cents for eurosuper and three cents for diesel.
He also addressed the issue of illegally dumped waste in Lika, stating that all those responsible for the dumping will have to answer, and that the competent authorities are working on remediation. "Just as we solved the baled waste in Varaždin, we will solve this problem in Lika as well," Plenković said.
The excitement culminated at the Alka racecourse, where Tino Radanović took home the title of victor of the 311th Sinjska Alka. With this victory, Radanović won the prestigious title for the third time in his career, having previously triumphed in 2007 and 2016. In this year's procession, he also served as deputy alaj-čauš, and he reached the winning flame after a tense showdown against opponents Josip Čačić, Pavao Prolić, and Frano Talaja. "I am truly overjoyed. I had a good horse; he served me well all year. Tonight, my house will celebrate until late into the night, and everyone is invited," said a delighted Radanović.
The patron of the Alka, President Zoran Milanović, congratulated the victor on a splendid race and excellent result, as well as all other alkar riders and lancers on what he described as "an exceptional Alka, unlike any in memory." He wished the gathered crowd peace and prosperity until the next meeting. "Until the next Alka, I wish everyone peace, the peace of cannons and rifles, good health for all, and the best possible earnings. Until then, good luck and see you next year, healthy and cheerful. Long live the Alka!" President Milanović said.
The day was not without an unusual mishap. In the town center, horses pulling a carriage slipped and fell, and footage of the incident quickly spread on social media. The excitement before the race was evident among the thousands of visitors who flocked to Sinj. The capacity of the stands was limited to about five thousand seats, but the atmosphere was palpable everywhere. The race began at 4:13 PM and was broadcast on HRT's second channel.
The Sinjska Alka, held in memory of the victory over the Ottoman conquerors in 1715, has held the prestigious title of UNESCO-protected intangible world heritage since 2010. After the winner was announced, the day-long program concluded with a concert by Siniša Vuca at Trg dr. Franje Tuđmana at 10 PM, rounding off another Sinjska Alka filled with tradition, sporting spirit, and political messages.
