Alkar lancer costume

The Sinjska alka is an equestrian competition held in the Croatian town of Sinj every first Sunday in August since 1715, and it commemorates a battle with Ottoman invaders in which the local Christian population of around managed to defend Sinj against 60,000 Ottoman soldiers. The Alkari represent knights from that era, dressed up in their traditional costumes. The dark blue trousers feature silver embroidery. Under the long dark blue dolama (formal Alka coat) is a shirt with the majite and the embroidered krožet with the white linen back. On the front, there is a decoration of thicker horizontal bands ending in loops close to the opening. A multicoloured silk waistband is several times wound around the waist. Alkar knights use white gloves that help them to control the spear. A marten fur kalpak (high-crowned cylinder-shaped cap) featuring a white crane plume is worn on their heads. The Alkari, on their feet, the Alkari, wear black leather boots with spurs, the top edge appliquéd with gold or silver galloons with silver thread tassels.