When, on an early Sunday morning in August, mačkule cannons start firing from the Old Town ramparts to mark the beginning of the high point of Alka ceremonies, and the town brass-band reveille awakens the people of Sinj, the thrill is almost palpable. Everyone awaits the most glorious megdan, 304^th Alka of Sinj!

However, the knights’ tournament is preceded by the long and meticulous preparations. After an extensive training at the Sinj hippodrome and the endless plains of the Sinj Field, alkars prepare from mid-July on the Alka racecourse. Every day, Monday to Friday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., you have the opportunity to be a part of the unique preparations and witness the hawk-eyed alkars sharpening their vision and fine-tuning their right hand while the horses of the Alka horse paddock grow accustomed to the lively surroundings and the dirt of the Alka Racecourse. In spite of the summer heat, people still gladly attend the preparations – both the old and the young eagerly follow the activities on and around the racecourse in the shade of the old chestnut trees.

Seeing that August and Alka ceremonies are approaching, the entire city of Sinj clacks in the rhythm of the clatter of horses’ hooves and the streets of the city pulse, the city that lives for the Alka tournament, the crown of UNESCO and the intangible heritage of Croatia and the world. Everything starts on Friday, August 2, at 5:30 p.m. with the 304^th Bara competition. The 304^th competition Čoja is next on Saturday, August 3, also at 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday, August 4, at 4:30 p.m. alkars compete for the victorious three-colored flag (plamenac) and their place in the long and rich history of Alka.

Free admission to preparations, Bara and Čoja. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of the events which are unique in the world and to partake in the live Alka trailer!