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In the Town of Sinj
Every year in August, the town of Sinj in the Dalmatian hinterlands of Croatia hosts the Sinjska Alka, a historic knights’ tournament on horseback.
The squires, dressed in the traditional costume of these region, in the rhythm of the march, steps uniformly and with dignityMuseum Alka of Sinj
The event commemorates a 1715 battle during the Second Morean War, when soldiers from Sinj and Venice, grossly outnumbered, successfully held off a siege of 60,000 Ottoman forces.
The flag bearer (barjaktar) and flag escortsMuseum Alka of Sinj
During the competition, costumed knights on horseback charge at a metal ring and attempt to hit it with their spears in order to earn points.
Edek - horse without riderMuseum Alka of Sinj
Because of the historic and cultural importance of the Sinjska Alka, which has been held for more than 300 years, the event was in 2010 added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Alkar Pride by Ana RucneMuseum Alka of Sinj
Detail of the front of the squire jacket (alkarski momak)Museum Alka of Sinj
But the horseback competition is only part of the spectacle of the Sinjska Alka. The elaborate costumes and weaponry, worn by knights, their horses and squires, and other festival participants are faithful recreations of those worn in the 18th century, when the tradition of the Sinjska Alka began.
Flintlock horse pistols (kubure) and sabre (Jatagan) of alka squiresMuseum Alka of Sinj
Alka je kolut od kovanog željeza s dva koncentrična prstena spojena trima zrakastim prečkicama koje dijele prostor između navedenih prstena, odnosno obruča, na tri jednaka dijelaMuseum Alka of Sinj
The costumes and accoutrements of the Sinjska Alka are a combination of historic artifacts — many dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, and some allegedly seized from the Ottomans at the time of the battle.
Other pieces are handcrafted to be identical to those worn in the 1700s.
The alka squireMuseum Alka of Sinj
Even those may be historic, as they were made for past Sinjska Alka events and were handed down, preserved and repaired from generation to generation. Every color, ornament, fabric and weapon of each participant has historical or symbolic significance.
The squires, dressed in the traditional costume of these region, in the rhythm of the march, steps uniformly and with dignityMuseum Alka of Sinj
Here Comes the Duke
The most important ceremonial figure in the competition is the Duke, an honored Alkar (a knight of the Sinjska Alka) who is selected to oversee the event. The Duke and his horse have the most spectacular costumes. He wears a brown dolman jacket with gold embroidery and ornamentation, a red undercoat, and a red and yellow sash at his waist.
Edek - horse without riderMuseum Alka of Sinj
His horse is also fantastically attired, with a red blanket embroidered with gold, and an ornate bridle with blue and red tassels and gold medallions.
Horse caparison - abajaMuseum Alka of Sinj
Duke's horse caparison -- abajaMuseum Alka of Sinj
The horse’s kit apparently dates to the 1715 siege — and was once worn by the steed of and Ottoman duke.
The winner of Alka and his infantry assistantMuseum Alka of Sinj
The alkari, the knights who compete in the event, wear dark blue dolman jackets with silver embroidery and details, a gold undercoat and a wide, multicolored sash at the waist. Their dark, embroidered pants are tucked into black riding boots, and they carry a sabre on their left hip.
Alkar sabresMuseum Alka of Sinj
Detail of the duke's horse equipmentMuseum Alka of Sinj
Every alkar wears a tall fur hat with a feather plume. The horses of the alkari wear blue embroidered blankets and bridles with silver hardware and medallions and blue tassels.
The alka squireMuseum Alka of Sinj
The costumes of the squires of the alkari are no less important. Their traditional, regional folk costumes include white shirts and red vests embroidered and inlaid with silver accessories. They wear a red sash at the waist, into which are tucked a flintlock pistol, two maces and a yataghan — a traditional Ottoman dagger. They carry red and gold shields, and a long flintlock rifle on their shoulders.
Inspection of alkar lancersMuseum Alka of Sinj
Prior to the competition, the Duke inspects the alkari, their horses and their squires. If any element of their costume or weaponry is out of order or inauthentic, the alkar risks being disqualified from the competition.
Female costume from SinjMuseum Alka of Sinj
Female costume from SinjMuseum Alka of Sinj
The women of Sinj also participate in the procession, wearing traditional folk costumes of the 19th century. These feature white ruffled shirts, long, sleeveless black coats, long red skirts and white floral garlands.
Filigree ornaments on the front of Alkar uniformsMuseum Alka of Sinj
Assistant of the alka adjusterMuseum Alka of Sinj
Once the weekend’s festivities have ended, the costumes, weapons and accessories are cleaned and inspected for any damage.
Detail of the front of the alkar uniformMuseum Alka of Sinj
All the needed repairs are made and the gear is put away until it’s time for the next Sinjska Alka.
Squire's braided shoes - opanciMuseum Alka of Sinj
Headgear of duke's horseMuseum Alka of Sinj
During the year, examples of the Sinjska Alka regalia are on display at the Museum of the Alka of Sinj, located in a former calvary barrack in the town.
Sources
https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/travel-croatia-sinjska-alka-sinj/
https://www.alka.hr/en/sinjska-alka/alka-dress-and-weapons-s48
http://www.visitsinj.com/en/Vodic/36/alka-tournament
https://www.alka.hr/en/event
https://www.alka.hr/en/museum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinjska_alka
