After celebrating last year's 300th anniversary of the chivalric Alka tournament and the famous victory against the Turks, Sinj, once again, eagerly awaits its guests. Concentrated on the future, urban and economic development, with a firm ground in invaluable heritage of its ancestors, the town of Alka is once again hosting the successful and popular manifestation called Rural Products Fair.

Croatia is indeed full of life with its crystal seas, heavenly oases, clear waters and pure air, but Croatia is also a rich river valley, as well as a parched piece of land, where each bite tastes the sweetest, and where labouring hands tell a story of harsh country life. This is especially true in the Cetinska krajina region, famous for its skilled and unique craftsmanship and original products.

Small and medium-sized agricultural holdings of Sinj rural area are given an opportunity to present their traditional homemade products which have trouble finding their way to customers in today's society. Visitors can taste and buy a variety of high-quality food products: a selection of homemade cheeses, honey and other bee products, homemade smoked and cured meats, wines, brandies (rakija), oils, eco products, etc. Different kinds of traditional souvenirs, hand embroidery, utensils and decorative items, as well as natural material jewellery are also exhibited.

The value of the exhibits represents the result of hard work, making sure that the final product would be of impeccable quality, as well as in line with the old tradition passed down through generations. This way, a number of crafts and their secrets are safe from being forgotten. Therefore, Rural Products Fair does not exhibit the remnants of times past – it becomes and remains the keeper of family treasure and identity.

The originality of products and customs of the Croatian countryside is an addition to the number of priceless treasures with which our country contributes to World heritage, and which make Croatia shine even brighter on the cultural and tourist map of Europe and the World.

Programme SAS 2016 (4 – 6 Aug)

4 August

• 18:00 – Sinj majorettes – performance
• 18:20 – 19:00 – Association for the preservation of heritage of the Cetinska krajina region – performance
• 19:00 – 20:30 – Angry house – entertainment programme
• Refreshments for visitors – uštipci, cheese

5 August

• Official opening with hosted show
• 19:00 – wind band Nedelišće
• 20:00 – Association of Trades and Crafts Sinj – Trades and Crafts show – traditional garment, fashion show, hair show, make-up, floral arrangements
• 21:30 – concert (organised by the town of Sinj) – Bands: Ružin trn, Uzbuna, Iva Ajduković
• Refreshments for visitors – uštipci, cheese

6 August

• Exhibiting part of the fair (simultaneously with the traditional Evening of Chivalry and Folklore)
• Around 20:00 – closing ceremony and handing out certificates of appreciation

Photo: Branko Čović