Days of Alka and Our Lady of SinjDani Alke i Gospe Sinjske

The annual Days of the Alka and Our Lady of Sinj (Dani Alke i Gospe Sinjske) combines the UNESCO-listed Alka knightly tournament with the religious celebration of the miraculous Madonna of Sinj, the city’s patron saint 1. Locals in traditional Alkar uniforms compete in a mounted lance-throwing contest (Sinjska Alka) on the tournament field, while the historic center hosts processions, concerts, and cultural events. Visitors witness a colorful procession of knights and clergy, culminating in the highpoint of the Alka race where a metal ring is speared from horseback. The event deeply embodies Sinj’s identity: born from the 1715 Ottoman siege victory, it remains a source of local pride and faith 1.

This festival interweaves Sinj’s identity with its Ottoman-defying history and Catholic tradition. The Alka competition memorializes the 1715 victory, and the feast of Gospa Sinjska (Our Lady of Sinj) is a pilgrimage day. Both are community keystones: priests, Alkar Families, and townspeople prepare for months, preserving centuries-old costumes, songs, and rituals. The whole town center and Alkar field transform with medieval pageantry, reflecting Dalmatian and religious heritage 1.