Alka – Ancient Chivalric Game

About

The Alka of Sinj is a rare remnant of ancient chivalric games. It is held in memory of the victory of 700 knights of Sinj over the Ottoman army, almost 100 times as numerous, that besieged Sinj in 1715, and to the glory of the Madonna, who, according to belief, saved the town at that time.

The Alka is a true amalgam of movement, sound and colour: a strictly stylized form of the theatricalization of social reality. Through the ages of its repetition, the whole of the competition ritual has grown within the very identity of Sinj and the Cetina March. The lance-wielding chivalric competition, such as has been known in many parts of Europe, is here an authentic expression of local heritage.

The ceremony of Alka lasts for three days. The contest starts on Friday for the Bara, whereas the Saturday contest is called the Čoja. The solemn Sunday Alka Knights procession is led by the harambaša and the selected Alka squires. They are followed by mace-bearers and the trophy Turkish shield-bearer. At the rear of procession come the edek’s guides. The troop of Alkari, who ride double-rowed, is led by the standard-bearer (carrying the Alka Knights Tournament Society banner, accompanied by the Image of the Madonna of Sinj and Croatian tricoloured flag) with henchmen and the Tournament Master, the commander of the procession, with his adjutant. At the rear of procession rides the commander of the Alkari, called alajčauš. The 11 Alkari at least, 15 of them at the most and exceptionally the 17 Alkari comprise the Alka procession. Only men born in Sinj and surrounding villages are eligible to take part in the event and with it comes considerable prestige. The costumes worn by the Alkar men are the same that were worn by the warriors in the 18th century.