Friday, 24 September 2021

19th Sv. Duje Regatta Returns with Oxford & Cambridge Legends, 2000 Olympics Rematch

September 24, 2021 - The 19th Sv. Duje Regatta is back after being postponed due to the coronavirus in May. This weekend's spectacle will feature the always traditional Oxford, Cambridge, and Split legends race and a rematch of the Sydney Olympics rowing final in 2000 when Croatia won bronze and Great Britain gold! 

The 19th edition of the International Rowing Regatta Sveti Duje was announced in the festive atmosphere of the Meštrović Gallery, reports Dalmacija Danas.

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Ivo Cagalj / PIXSELL

Representatives of organizers and partners attended the press conference: Tomislav Kilić, Vice-Rector of the University of Split, Igor Maretić, Head of the Split Department of Sports, Ozren Kovačević, Director of Key Clients of Le Meridien Lav Hotel, Tomislav Aljinović, Business Center Director Central Dalmatia - OTP bank, Luka Grubor, member of the organizing committee, Oxford legend, Sydney gold Olympian, Rob Baker, head coach of Cambridge via video message and Nikša Skelin, president of the Dalmatian Rowing Federation, member of the organizing committee, Pirate legend, bronze an Olympian from Sydney.

The main event of this year's Regatta will take place on Saturday, September 25. The central stage will be Split's Riva, which will host three rowing races. At 11:00 am, the legends of Oxford, Cambridge, and Split will begin. The student race of the University of Zagreb and the University of Split is scheduled for 11:30 am. As a highlight at noon, there will be a replay of the Sydney Olympics final in 2000, when the gold and bronze Olympic teams will row on the Riva - the eights of Great Britain and Croatia!

The legendary Luka Grubor, who will temporarily replace his business suit with a rowing suit on Saturday, was pleased to announce the Regatta:

"A particular focus in the edition of this Regatta will be on the races on the Riva with an additional duel between Split and Zagreb, which will enrich the racing program. But also, that date coincides with the 21s medal-winning anniversary of the Croatian and British eights at the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000, where we will have a kind of replay and rematch of that final. I don't know where in the world the Croatia eight have ever gathered again, let alone with their rivals in Sydney.

Also, Split has always been a meeting place for top rowers and top academics and professionals. So far, this has been happening on an informal level, and now I would like to make a Meetup, a conversation about how sport shapes careers, learn from each other to enable a continuous transfer of knowledge to new students and new generations of athletes."

Celebrated Split Olympian Nikša Skelin expects exciting matches on Saturday: “This year we will have a Regatta that will be specific because, in addition to racing on the Riva, we will have the anniversary of Olympic medalists, Great Britain's gold and Croatia's bronze.

It will be one rematch, settling debts that always hang among the rowers, even though we are all friends off the boat. I hope that time and the audience will support us and that we will make a rowing spectacle."

On Saturday, the Riva will gather the legends of rowing, teams that have won and are winning numerous European and world awards, all bound by an unbreakable emotion and love for rowing, Split, and Dalmatia.

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Tuesday, 27 April 2021

19th Sveti Duje Legends Regatta Postponed until September

April 27, 2021 - The 2021 Sudamja program in May will not feature the famous 19th Sveti Duje Legends Regatta on the Split waterfront. Instead, the famous rowing event has been moved to September. 

Namely, the 19th International Sveti Duje Regatta will not be held for the second year in a row due to epidemiological measures.

This rowing regatta has established itself as a recognizable sports and tourist attraction that greatly contributes to the international promotion of Split and the University of Split. On the first day on the race track in Spinut, spectators have the opportunity to see the clash of the best European university eights, which increased from year to year. At the same time, Spinut is the only place where the original crews of Oxford and Cambridge take part, after rowing in the famous Thames race in London in April. Split is technically the only place for a rematch, which gives this regatta additional charm.

The second day of the regatta revives the legends of Split, Oxford, and Cambridge at the city port on the 222-meter long regatta track. The sprint discipline was created for spectators gathered on the Riva. In addition to being accepted as a social event with a series of fun activities, the Sveti Duje Regatta has in recent years been profiled as an event that connects established businesses and professionals from different spheres and parts of the world.

Luka Grubor, an Oxford legend, a gold Olympian in Sydney, and a member of the Sveti Duje International Rowing Regatta committee, spoke about postponing the event this year for Dalmacija Danas.

"The epidemiological situation in Croatia and the whole of Europe is such that it has not left us much choice. We planned to hold the regatta respecting all measures by adapting the "bubble" system, which proved to be a good solution in several sports competitions. However, the successful holding of this regatta largely depends on the possibility of university crews arriving by plane to Croatia. Croatia's air connections with the rest of Europe are poor at this time. Before COVID-19, Easter meant the beginning of the tourist season and introducing new flights to Split. It's different now. Eights come from more than ten European countries, and it would not be possible for everyone to come to Split during the regatta, so we decided to postpone the regatta to September. The tradition and size of this regatta do not allow it to be held in a truncated edition. We are aware of how much this regatta means to university eights, and we know that they enjoy participating in this regatta not only because of the beauty of Split but also because of the strong competition."

Why September?

"Just as early May is the end of the winter rowing season and the time just after the boat race, late September is the beginning of the fall training and racing season. It is ideal for a new generation of university teams to weigh in before they get into tough preparations for next season. An additional reason is the cancellation of the European University Games, which were supposed to be held in Belgrade this year, so the interest in our regatta has further increased. Students are eager for quality competition and socializing. We chose the weekend of September 25th and 26th for the date. That is the week before the start of the academic year, the student teams will then already be together, and even the individuals who will be competing in the Olympics this summer. There was an idea to hold the Regatta a week earlier, in the same week that marks the Split Sports Day (note in memory of the opening day of the 8th Mediterranean Games - MIS 79). Still, that weekend the Croatian Rowing Championship is held in Zagreb. September will definitely be this year's rowing month in Croatia."

The Split Marathon and the Legend Regatta on the same day?

"Our projects share the same values. We are in contact with the organizers of the Split Marathon, and there will be no overlap of programs. The passage of all runners through the finish line on the Riva is expected at 11:30 at the latest, and the Race of Legends will not start until noon. A real sports festival awaits the people of Split this weekend. It will pay off to go down to the Riva and enjoy that day, as the day before on the pirate pontoon when the university eights row."

The race will be in a different guise this year?

"The Boat race did not run at the traditional Championship Course in London this year to prevent people from gathering along the river. Last year there was no rowing at all due to epidemiological reasons. Under normal conditions, the race attracts over 400,000 spectators along a nearly 7-kilometer-long regatta course. The race was transferred to the Great Ouse River in a rural part of England, near the town of Ely about twenty kilometers from Cambridge. Cambridge won both the men’s and women’s categories. It is the second time in the long history of the race that it paddled on this river. It was first held there in 1944 during World War II when Oxford was more successful. This is proof of how difficult it is to plan any event for the duration of these extreme and limiting living conditions, but traditions like the Boat Race always find a way and a path. This tradition and the fact that this weave has been held 166 times regardless of historical challenges and adversities brings popularity to the Boat race. I must point out that the organization of the Boat Race this year is a great inspiration to our team because of everything they have done to maintain their sporting rivalry and the continuity of the race. It is amazing to what extent they have worked out the details to prepare, and the race itself meets all the epidemiological measures.

The contribution of this event to the development of Croatian tourism certainly cannot be measured by the number of realized overnight stays, as in the cases of other sports events. The organizers point out that 25% of the participants in this Regatta return to the Adriatic at least once a year, and 12% of the competitors, mostly "Legends," have visited Split at least 10 times in the last 7 years. Last year obviously left enough time for the organizers to think. They announce that the focus of the Regatta will always be on rowing. Still, they also plan to organize an international conference emphasizing the connection between amateur sports, professional careers, and the business world.

Namely, many rowing legends and rowing and university alumni, in general, have interesting and colorful careers after sports. It happened spontaneously that this Regatta regularly brings together top experts from several sectors, from investment to medicine, and has become a true platform that brings together top professionals. The co-founders of Facebook, the Winklevoss brothers, the current owners of the Gemini Exchange, Ante Kušurin, the vice president of the American fund One Equity Partners, and many others also took part in this sporting event.

This loyalty of our participants to Croatia and Split, the profile of such visitors, strong promotion in specific markets is a significant criterion that we must consider when mentioning the impact of the sports community on Croatian tourism or other sectors of the economy. The promotion of Croatia in the international business network is something in which we as an event can be the best. The plan is to establish a "Legends Club," which includes sports legends who rowed at the regatta in Split, and alumni are Oxford, Cambridge, and other universities. The "Legends Club" will be the organizer of this international conference," concluded Luka Grubor.

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Saturday, 17 April 2021

Sudamja 2021: Split City Day Program Announced

April 17, 2021 - The Sudamja 2021 event has been announced to commemorate Split City Day, celebrated on May 7 each year. 

"The feeling of belonging to Sv. Duje, the patron saint of our Split, will remain the same even though this year, due to the pandemic, traditional events within Sudamja 2021 will be absent," said Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara about the celebration of Sv. Duje - Split City Day 2021.

The secular part of the celebration of the most important city holiday will be adapted to the circumstances and current epidemiological measures. Thus, on May 6, a ceremony will be held at the Croatian National Theater in Split, where the City will present awards to this year's laureates. Following the circumstances and without major gatherings, the holiday will be celebrated within the city institutions.

The "Judita" exhibition on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of Marulić's first edition of Judita will open in the renovated Old Town Hall on Pjaca, and in the Diocletian Gallery of the Split City Museum, visitors can enjoy an exhibition on Italian design "Rosso, il colore della passione", realized in cooperation with the Consulate General Italy. Concerts for a limited number of spectators, which are broadcast online, will continue at the Hrvatski Dom concert hall. On May 3, a concert featuring Matej Meštrović and Kristina Bjelopavlović Cesar, and on May 5, 2021, opera soloists Valentina Fijačko Kobić and Domagoj Dorotić was announced.

This year, like last year when we were hit by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no traditional events such as the raffle, concerts on the waterfront, fish market spectacles, or the regatta of rowing legends. There will also be no Sv. Križ Feast, nor the performances of Split singing groups on the Riva.

As part of the Novena, which begins on April 28, the Archdiocese of Split and Makarska will hold daily Mass at 6 pm, which will be broadcast live on TV Laudato and social networks. Archbishop Coadjutor Msgr. Dražen Kutleša will lead the Central Mass. Following epidemiological circumstances, there will be multiple Holy Masses on the feast of Sv. Duje. The first will be held at 7 am and 8 am before the Central Mass, which starts at 10 am and will be broadcast live on HTV, and at 16:00, 18:00, and 20:00.

On behalf of the Split-Makarska Archdiocese, the Vicar General thanked the Committee members for their cooperation and wished and prayed that next year the feast of Sv. Duje would return as usual. 

Source: City of Split Facebook

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Thursday, 7 May 2020

Sudamja 2020: Split Celebrates City Day and Sv. Duje

May 7, 2020 - The City of Split traditionally celebrates its patron saint, Sv. Duje, on May 7. 

Split City Day is here, when the citizens honor and celebrate Split’s protector -  Sv. Duje. 

But who is Sv. Duje, anyway? 

Also known as Saint Domnius, Saint Dujam, Saint Duje, Saint Domnio, Saint Doimus, or Saint Domninus, our Sv. Duje was born in today's Syria and was an early Christian bishop of the Roman city of Salona, the capital of the Roman province Dalmatia. Emperor Diocletian ordered Duje’s arrest in AD304, and he was executed along with other martyrs in Salona's amphitheater. Buried outside of the city walls, his grave became a place of worship.

While one might find it ironic that our Duje is the protector of the town founded by the emperor who executed him, it is perhaps even more peculiar that Emperor Diocletian’s mausoleum was converted into the Sv. Duje Cathedral, which is regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure.

The Sv. Duje Cathedral stands proud in the heart of the Old Town, and it only makes sense that the City Day celebrations begin here, where the Croatian flag is raised on top of the cathedral's bell tower.

Religious or not, this act highlights the bond Split citizens share with Sv. Duje, as it represents an identification with the city's heritage.

Split’s City Day celebration is usually a grand affair named ‘Sudamja’, which gathers thousands of Split citizens in the city center on May 7. From fairs to concerts, fireworks to bingo, folklore dances to exhibitions and regattas - Sv. Duje is the celebration of all celebrations in this ancient Croatian city. 

However, the highlight is the centuries-old procession, held on the morning of May 7. While Sv. Duje’s relics were once carried around the entire old town, today, the procession begins at Peristyle in front of the Cathedral and continues to the Riva, where Holy Mass is held.

This year, however, as the world is rattled by the corona crisis, a more modest Sv. Duje celebration awaits. While no gatherings of large groups are allowed, and we are still adhering to strict measures by the National Civil Protection Headquarters, this year, Sudamja is coming to our homes. 

"The traditional festival on the occasion of the feast of  Sv. Duje has for years awakened in us a spirit of togetherness and belonging. Guided by the message of the #TogetherInSplit campaign, together, many got involved in creating projects to give their fellow citizens a different celebration of City Day.

At 10 am on HRT, you can follow the Holy Mass from the Sv. Duje Cathedral, and in the afternoon, at 6:20 pm, enjoy the recording of the Petar Grašo concert in the empty Peristyle, which brings a touch of optimism, light and celebration, organized by the City of Split, the Split Tourist Board with partners Dalmatian Concert and OTP Bank.

The Sv. Duje balcony party has been organized by Fabrique pub with partners Apodos agency, photo studio Smile and the Split Tourist Board. From 5 pm to 8 pm, the moving stage will tour the neighborhoods of Split where Marko Pecotić Peco and his band will sing Dalmatian hits. Go out to your windows and balconies and send a video message of unity to the world on our City Day.

The Split City Museum, Croatian National Theater Split, KUD Jedinstvo, Music Youth of Split, Ethnographic Museum, Center for Culture and Lifelong Education Zlatna Vrata, Collegium Split through history and many others have also joined in on the virtual fun, and dedicated their publications to the importance of tradition to preserve the unity and identity of one city," says the Split Tourist Board.

For more information, visit the Facebook pages of the City of Split and the Split Tourist Board.

Happy Sv. Duje to all!

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Tuesday, 5 May 2020

Sudamja at Home: TZ Split and Fabrique Hosting Sv. Duje Balcony Party

May 5, 2020 - As part of the #TogetherInSplit campaign, the Split Tourist Board and Fabrique Pub are bringing a touch of the Sv. Duje tradition to your homes on May 7.

Namley, a mobile stage will be touring the Split neighborhoods where Marko Pecotic Peco and his band will sing Dalmatian hits. The Split Tourist Board wants all citizens at their windows and on their balconies to send a video message of community on Split's City Day. 

"The traditional Sv. Duje feast has, for many years, awakened Split citizens in a spirit of community and belonging. Even though we are physically separated, this will be a unique postcard from Split on the day of the Sudamja celebration during the pandemic, so let's all go out to our windows, balconies and show that we are a small city with a big heart. After our collective postcard, enjoy the unique concert of Peter Graso in an empty Peristyle," said the director of the Split Tourist Board, Alijana Vukšić.

"Guided by the message of the #TogetherInSplit campaign, we wanted to thank our guests and fellow citizens for their many years of support and all the moments of fun and friendship we spent at the Fabrique pub. We have gathered our co-workers and friends, and we thank them for their engagement and for showing us that we are truly together during these difficult times. Special thanks to Marko Pecotic Peco and his band, the Apodos company for providing the panoramic bus, photographer and cameraman Ranko Pupic from Studio Smile and his valuable crew who will record reactions from your balconies, and the Split Tourist Board," said Fabrique pub.

The mobile stage will depart at 6 pm from the taxi stand near the Tourist Palace on the Riva. You can find the locations on the route below:

Bačvice- Firule taxi stand- Križine bus station - Mertojak (Elekrodalmacija)- Kila- Pujanke- Kampus- Vukovarska- Kacunar- Kman- Brda- Dubrovačka- Kazalište – Skalice- Stari plac- Krom- Lazarica- Poljud- Sv. Frane.

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Tuesday, 5 May 2020

Petar Graso Performs in Empty Split Peristyle for Sv. Duje 2020

May 5, 2020 - The City of Split and the Split Tourist Board, in cooperation with Dalmatia Concert and sponsored by OTP Bank Split, are bringing Split citizens a special treat for Sv. Duje on Thursday. Petar Graso performing in an empty Peristyle.

"Unfortunately, traditional festivities in Split will be absent this year. We will celebrate Sv. Duje without the buzz, the crowds, the procession and the mass on the waterfront, the raffle and the Sudamja Fair; without a great concert and fireworks, without everything we have done with all our fellow citizens for years. This year will be different than ever, but I still believe that the feast of our patron saint will be celebrated in our hearts and with our families. To all the citizens of Split, but also all the viewers of Croatian Radio and Television, on the day of Sv. Duje, we bring you a Peter Graso concert from Peristyle. Although we are forced to be physically separated, let us be together on Thursday evening in front of small screens in this unusual, different and I believe beautiful celebration," says Split Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara.

Petar Graso also shared his impressions:

"I am a child of Split, Split is my home, despite the fact that I have been in it for the last twenty years. If it had not been for these specific circumstances, I, unfortunately, would have been out of Split on this Sv. Duje. But as it usually is, different circumstances dictate a different life plan, and so one of the strangest, and in some ways, the most beautiful concert of my career happened, a concert without a single person in the audience."

Graso also says that if someone had told him last year that he would play in front of an empty Peristyle and be most honored, he would have thought it impossible, but given the events of the past months, he is delighted and honored on this occasion: "I am happy to have the privilege of having a concert in one of the most beautiful squares in the world in my city, and giving it to both my Split and all the people who will be at home on Thursday evening in front of small screens. This is a concert of optimism, a concert of light and celebration. We were looking forward to it; somehow we seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel we've all been in for the past two months," Graso concludes, wishing this would be the last concert before an empty Peristyle.

The concert will be broadcast on Split's City Day on Thursday, May 7, on the second program of Croatian Radio and Television.

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Friday, 1 May 2020

City of Split Announces Modest Sv. Duje and Corona Inspired 2020 Poster

May 1, 2020 - A message from the City of Split about this year’s modest Sv. Duje celebration. 

As we delve into the days of Sudamja 2020, a festival dedicated to the patron saint of Split, the holy Dujam, given the circumstances this year, we must celebrate modestly, begins the City of Split announcing this year’s Sv. Duje celebration. 

“On May 6, our archbishop and mayor will inaugurate the feast of Sv. Duje, and instead of Holy Mass on the waterfront on May 7, Archbishop of Split-Makarska, Marin Barisic, will hold a solemn mass in the Cathedral with a few priests, which will be broadcast on the first HTV program.

This year, there will be no Sudamja fair, no traditional tonbula, no sporting events, no concert, and no fireworks. Everything we do will be marked by the screens of local TV stations, radios and social networks, and you will be able to follow it all with your family from home."

The City asks all citizens to celebrate this festival in the environment of your own home and respect the decisions of the National Civil Protection Headquarters. 

The Sudamja poster traditionally annually commemorates the Sv. Duje festivities, and though the theme has been explicitly Split, this year, it has switched to the coronavirus pandemic.

Thus, this year’s Sudamja poster is called the Zero Year Consolation and commemorates the feast by a straightforward but powerful message: “Don't be afraid."

The poster recalls the most significant event in the history of Christianity, the crucifixion of Jesus, on which the whole religion is based, and which is especially important right now,  the City says.

“Through His anguish and resurrection, He redeemed all sins and saved the world from evil, including sickness.

In no word or image, the poster shows the "evil" Corona.

The poster shows Jesus' crown of thorns - the Latin "CORONA SPINAE CHRISTI", and in turn, it is a symbol of Jesus, his torment, redemption and salvation.

Not even blood is shown, but quotation marks and points as an association with it, and which in this way is presented metaphorically representing words, wisdom and consolation.

Namely, in the spirit of current daily life and the #OSTANIDOMA (Stay Home) message from the National Civil Protection Headquarters, no poster will ever see the light of day. There is no celebration program, people are mostly home, so there is no need for an otherwise custom printed poster. Thus, this poster for Sudamja, probably for the first time in history, is only a poster for home, prepared but not printed," said the City.

The poster was designed by Split designer Stjepko Rosin, whose work for Sudamja last year won him the silver award from Graphis, one of the world's most respected American magazines for graphic design and advertising, based in New York. The poster was also included in the Graphis Design Annual 2020.

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Tuesday, 28 April 2020

2020 Sv. Duje Celebration Without Procession and Mass on Split Riva

April 28, 2020 - Marin Barisic, Archbishop of Split-Makarska, announced the upcoming Day of the City of Split celebration - Sv. Duje. 

Marin Barisic said that, because of the coronavirus pandemic, on the feast of the patron saint of Split and Split-Dalmatia County, May 7, there will be no traditional procession and mass celebration on the famous Split waterfront, reports Dalmacija Danas.

Mass, however, will be held at 10 am at the Sv. Duje Cathedral and broadcasted directly through the media. 

"Due to the special circumstances we are in, there will be no traditional procession and Eucharistic celebration on the waterfront this year. However, on the feast day, Thursday, May 7, from the Sv. Duje Cathedral, you will be able to follow the Holy Mass from your homes - your home churches. At 10 am, it will be broadcast by HRT, Laudato TV, Jadran TV and social networks," Barisic in a statement.

He recalled that, according to ancient tradition, before the feast, on Tuesday, April 28, the April novena begins.

According to him, the patron saint of Split, bishop, and martyr Dujam, in his Salona from the time of the persecution of Christians, has a vast experience of connecting life at home - our small churches - with Christ and his Church. "May his example also bring to our attention that the family is truly a small church and let his intercession follow all our families," said Barisic.

"The dear Split citizens and representatives of cultural, social and sports associations will have no rich program this year, which each of you regularly prepares in honor of our patron saint. However, know that we won't be without the love and protection of the Holy Spirit for all of us," said Barisic.

He recalled the deep and lasting connection between Sv. Duje and the city of Split, that is, his worshipers.

"He is our memory for all generations of this city and our local Church. That is why the people of Split always have, with confidence, called upon their faithful protector in all dangers: war, plague and hunger. We are also calling him today, in danger of the coronavirus pandemic that has affected not only our environment, but the entire world. We ask him for bravery and to follow those who make political decisions, then our doctors, medical staff, pharmacists, volunteers, shopkeepers and all those who care about our common good. In particular, we pray for him and the sick and their families and express their closeness to them, and for all the deceased, may the Lord, according to Dujam's intercession, share the fullness of the joy of eternal life," said Archbishop Barisic.

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Sunday, 5 May 2019

Split Wins Traditional Sv. Duje Legends Regatta of Split, Oxford, and Cambridge

The 18th edition of the International Rowing Regatta Sveti Duje was completed by the traditional race of the legends of Split, Oxford, and Cambridge, held on Sunday at noon Split. For the second year in a row, the Split team was the fastest, reports Dalmacija Danas on May 5, 2019. 

After Saturday’s university regatta at Spinut, the legends came to life during their 222-meter long regatta on the Split Riva. The dreary weekend weather and rain came to a halt, and the sun came into view, which attracted spectators on the famous waterfront promenade. The spectators witnessed two thrilling but identical races. Split was the fastest both times, although Oxford almost overcame them in the second race. 

The third-placed Cambridge legends had heavy hands, said James Cracknell, the two-time Olympic winner and six-time world champion, who is also the oldest winner of The Boat Race at age 46.  Cracknell also participated in Saturday’s student regatta where Cambridge won the gold medal.

“Rowing two regattas in two days, with the fact that The Boat Race was a month ago, is very demanding. Yesterday we fought with the Germans and Oxford and we managed to win, and today against the very good home team. Unfortunately, we were not able to be the fastest,” Cracknell said. 

The regatta in Split is a beautiful gift to the legend of Cambridge as he celebrates his 47th birthday.

“I think that my birthday celebration last night also reflected on my rowing today. Split is a really fun city and you can expect me in the coming years,” concluded Cracknell with laughter.

The excitement of winning was not hidden by Siniša Skelin, a legendary Split rower who responds to the organizer's invitation every year.

“This year, we did everything in two races. We did not have much preparation, but these are all experienced rowers, so it's not a problem to harmonize. I have to admit we're tired. It is an exhibition regatta and these two hundred meters look like a little, but when you’re rowing against Oxford and Cambridge, you're tired from 200 meters,” Skelin concluded.

After the race, all the participants came to Peristyle where they were given medals as a reminder of this unique regatta. 

The 18th edition of the famous Sv. Duje regatta is now behind us, and the organizers can be satisfied with yet another stellar event in the books. The people of Split will look forward to celebrating their patron saint, Sv. Duje, on May 7. 

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Saturday, 4 May 2019

Celebrate Sv. Duje in Split Next Week: The Details

This year's central celebration of Sv. Duje, also known as ‘Sudamja’ and the Day of the City of Split, will be held on Monday and Tuesday, May 6 and 7, with a commemorative and vibrant program, reports Splitski Dnevnik on May 4, 2019. 

The traditional Sv. Duje fair will be held on the Riva on Monday and Tuesday. The Sv. Duje celebration officially begins by placing flowers on the graves of the deceased Split mayors at Lovrinac Cemetary on Monday at 8:30 am and will continue with the ceremony of the City Council at the Croatian National Theater at 10 am, where the City Awards will be awarded to this year's laureates. At noon, the anniversary of the Public Protest will be marked by raising the flag of the Republic of Croatia before Banovina. 

In the evening part of the program, the reliquary will open and will be followed by a festive party. Then, to mark the 40th anniversary of Diocletian's Palace and the historical core of Split on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List, at Peristyle, guests can enjoy a series of historical units and associations of non-material cultural heritage from all over Croatia, led by KUD-Jedinstvo, our Split-centennial!

The feast of Sv. Duje begins on Tuesday with the City Musicians of Split in the streets of the city. In Peristyle, at 10 am, the procession will begin on the Riva, where the Holy Mass will be celebrated.

The sounds of the Dubrovački trombunjeri will be heard from Matejuška, and two thousand portions of lamb with peas will be distributed at the Split Fish Market.

After the traditional ‘tombula’ on the big stage on the Riva, the ‘Key of Life’ concert will be held, featuring ten performers: Neno Belan, Gibonni, Tedi Spalato, Doris Dragović, Goran Karan, Jole, Guliano & Diktatori, Tiho Orlić, Dalmatino and Domenica.

The concert, which will be broadcast directly by HTV this year, has a humanitarian character and will raise funds for Children's Traumatology at the Department of Physical Medicine of Split KBC.

The festival will, like every year, end with a fireworks show. 

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