August 10, 2022 - The Sinj Tourist Board is bringing it back to when it all began. Jump in the Sinj time machine and enjoy the annual reenactment of the Battle of Sinj 1715!

Organized by the Sinj Tourist Board, a reenactment of the famous and artistically immortalized Battle of Sinj 1715 will take place, along with the events that preceded it, on August 11 (Thursday) at 20:30 at Trg Kralja Tomislava (Market). The event will celebrate its 16th edition this year. 

The historical spectacle takes place in two acts. The first act is staged at Pijaca, Sinj's main square, when the Ottomans dramatically and violently attacked and conquered the town of Sinj, burned the church, and took the people into slavery. Incredibly realistic light and sound effects contribute to the authenticity of the scenes. The second act takes place in the original setting of Alkarski dvori, the former Apartments. Despite the almost hopeless situation, the Defense Council does not think twice and defends its city against a more numerous, superior, and powerful enemy. According to tradition, it was with Our Lady's help that the Ottomans were defeated, and Sinj was freed from the threat of the enemy to keep Christianity. Led by Fr. Pavlo Vučković (embodied by the high school professor, scientist, writer, editor, and publisher Fr. Gabrijel Hrvatin Jurišić), the joyful and grateful faithful have celebrated their patron saint ever since with even greater fervor.

Ivana Pavicic

The Sinj time machine - let's go back together to 1715 when it all began!

Nikola Belančić

The director of the dramatic spectacle is Velimir Borković. The performance was brought to life in cooperation with the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj and the Alka Knights Society. Numerous actors from amateur theaters participate in the event, and the leading roles include: Gabrijel Jurišić, Marko Duvnjak, Bruno Barać, Marijan Grbavac, Damir Žane Alebić, Saša Miletić, Bobo Delonga, Dijana Ivić Kundid, Bože Pavić, Vedrana Vrgoč, Sanja Gojun, Mirjana Živalj, Anđelka Vučković, Marko Jelinčić, Anđelka Vučković, Dino Vuković, Dubravka Vuković, Marija Mandac, Dušan Roguljić, Tihana Jelić, members of KU Marko Marulić, GZ Brodosplit, the historical units of the Klis Uskoks, the Patriot Defense Association, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, the "Gromovi Zagorje" mountain rescuers, the Association for the Preservation of the Heritage of the Cetinje Region, the Association of Rera and Guslar from Otok, the Sinjski Ferals, the horsemen of the Alka Knights Society, the Alka horses; Marko Vuković and Andrija Ribičić ride the carriages, Vesna Bader and Branka Marinović take care of the scenography, and Miki Nopling, who this year is preparing a particularly impressive staging, is responsible for the sound backdrop and special effects.

Željko Zrnčić

The director is the prominent theater, television, and film actor Robert Kurbaša, the assistant director is Bruno Barać, and the playwright and producer is Luka Perković. And this year, with the performance of the cantata of Our Lady of Sinj, the City Choir of Brodosplit is also in attendance, performing under the direction of maestro Vlada Sunko, a famous music pedagogue, conductor, and composer.

The Battle of Sinj 1715 is a unique stage spectacle under Sinj's August Nights, and the whole town becomes a stage that, with its originality, instantly transports the audience 307 years into the past! The performance is held with the support of the City of Sinj and the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board. 

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

August 10, 2022 - The 12th Sinj Village Fair was successfully held over Alka weekend and organized by the Sinj Tourist Board. 

The 12th Sinj Village Fair was successfully held on Dr. Franje Tuđman Square from August 5 to 6, organized by the Sinj Tourist Board, with the support of the City of Sinj and the Cetinje Region LAG - through the 'Dinara back to life' project (LIFE18NAT/HR/000847).

It was attended by more than 25 exhibitors from the Cetina region, Kaštela, Marina, Split, Vrgorac, and Zagorje, who presented their products, from ornaments and handicrafts to gourmet delicacies and products from the village and islands. Old local crafts were also offered, such as the production of folk costumes, opanaks, bakeware, copper, garden tools and other traditional wooden handicrafts and collectibles.

The fair was opened by Miro Bulj, the mayor of Sinj, and all the visitors and participants were blessed by Fr. Marinko Vukman, guardian and director of the Church of Our Lady of Sinj.

In the entertainment part of the program, the Sinj majorettes enhanced the atmosphere as they do with every event. Visitors followed the performances of the faithful guardians of local traditions and customs through the songs and dances of Dalmatian Zagora, which are on the list of the intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia. This included the Association for Preserving Cetina Region Heritage, KUD Vrilo - Obrovac Sinjski, URIG from Otok, KUD Krenica - Gala, KUD Cetina, KUD Glavice, and KUD Dicmo, who performed the traditional rera, the Sinj kola and the final Vrli kola from the opera 'Ero s onoga svijeta'.

Then, Goran Mikas, who presented the chants and musical instruments of Poljica, and the visiting cultural and artistic societies, such as the singing group "Krčevljani" Vitez (BiH), HKUD Sv. Ante Humac - Ljubuški (BiH), KUD "Ilinden" from Demir Hisar (North Macedonia), who introduced us to the traditions and customs of their region. On the final night of the fair, Ljuta kuća performed to raise the atmosphere.

Visitors also took part in engaging educational workshops. Thus, they had the opportunity to get acquainted with the traditional pottery from Potravlje through the production of clay dishes under the skillful hands of master Ivan Knezović. This traditional craft was nominated for UNESCO protection by the Ministry of Culture. The Tourist Board, under the auspices of the Ministry, organizes well-attended educational workshops every year. Visitors could learn about the forgotten skill of making opanak shoes, the only footwear known to Sinj's ancestors and which served them faithfully and for a long time in all activities, as well as the art of weaving baskets at Ljilje Vojković's workshop. 

Art & wine by Ana Poljak presented excellent works of art and wine from OPG Mažurin, along with a wool spinning workshop presented by Jasna and Domina Bilač, members of the Lipota Association. The fair also featured an exhibition of student works from the Split School of Crafts on "Women in Alka" and participants of last year's Sinj photo workshop "The World in Colors."

All visitors to the fair could take part in all the workshops for free and taste local gastronomic delicacies: Sinj uštipak prepared by the members of the Old Crafts Association as well as Sinj gingerbread prepared by Ankica Župić according to the original Sinj recipe.

The 12th Sinj village fair was led by prof. Branimir Romac.

"We would like to thank everyone who helped us bring this fair to life, especially: the City of Sinj and the LAG of Cetinje krajina - Dinara back to life (LIFE18NAT/HR/000847), the Alka Knights Society, the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, the employees of Cistoca in the Cetinje region, KUS-Sinj, Sinj majorettes, Srma association, exhibitors, Cultural and artistic societies, Kamičak d.d., Sinj bobi, MUP PP Sinj, HEP – Sinj, Elektro Bekan, Branki Marinović, and Maja Kovačević.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

July 27, 2022 - Jazz group Nocturnal Four visits Sinj this weekend for a spectacle at Alkarski Dvori! 

At the end of July, Sinj locals and their guests will be treated to a real musical sensation - a performance by the jazz group Nocturnal Four! The world-renowned musicians on their Croatian summer tour this year have already performed in Pula and Zadar and will bring a touch of New Orleans to the Alkarski Dvori stage in Sinj! 

Ratko Zjača, previously known to the Sinj audience, is an award-winning guitarist, composer, performer, and pedagogue. He studied and graduated from the University of Zagreb. After completing his studies at the Conservatory in Rotterdam, where he studied jazz guitar, composition, and Indian classical music, he also studied at the New York University School of Music. Countless collaborations with the greats of jazz music launched him into the stars and brought him many recognitions and awards. John Riley is one of the most famous jazz drummers and educators today. He is a full-time drum professor at the famous academies Manhattan School of Music, The New School, and SUNY Purchase. In addition, he is a permanent external professor at the Conservatory in Amsterdam.

Pianist and organist Renato Chicco studied at the University of Music in Graz, Austria, and at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. In a long and fruitful career, he collaborated with the biggest names in world jazz music. He is currently a professor of jazz improvisation at the University of Music in Graz and continues to perform worldwide. Stefano Bedetti, one of the best European saxophonists, started playing tenor at 14. Inspired by Charlie Parker, Michael Brecker, and many other masters, he discovered new dimensions and approaches to music.

Don't miss a chance to listen to this fantastic quartet on July 30 at 9:30 pm, performing after City Music Sinj, which this year celebrates 160 years of its existence, dedicated work, education, and promotion of the city of Sinj throughout Lijepa naše and Europe.

The concert is free!

Photos by Ante Gašpar and Željke Zrnčić

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

July 26, 2022 - For the 12th time, the Sinj Tourist Board will hold the Sinj Village Fair 2022, which includes an exhibition, tasting, and sale of traditional Croatian products: food, drinks, and souvenirs.

The Sinj Village Fair 2022 is held during the Alka festivities on August 5 and 6, 2022, when Sinj becomes the center of cultural, religious, and tourist events in Split-Dalmatia County and beyond.

By organizing the event, the Sinj Tourist Board gives interested citizens and visitors a chance to taste and buy local traditional products that are difficult for consumers to access because they are not available for sale. At the same time, it helps small and medium-sized farms from the rural area of Sinj and its surroundings, as well as other parts of Croatia, in promoting and selling their products.

An even larger number of exhibitors is expected this year. Therefore, the organizers needed to provide a larger space and even more tables for exhibitors, as they are expected from all over Croatia, of which at least 40% will be local producers.

"We emphasize the importance of this Fair to promote the rich tourist and cultural heritage, as well as the generous offer of agricultural producers and souvenir producers, all to develop the tourism, culture, and economic development of our city.

Also, in this way, all visitors will have the opportunity to stock their holiday tables with quality products from the Croatian countryside during these festive days in our city (Alkar celebrations and the Feast of the Assumption) and make their personal contribution to the Sinj economy and improving tourism," concluded the Sinj Tourist Board. 

Applications to exhibit at the Fair can be submitted via e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., contact phone number 021/826-352, or by coming in person to the Sinj Tourist Board office at Put Petrovca 12, 21230 Sinj.

The application must contain the name and surname of the exhibitor, the name of the association, trade, OPG, etc., the registration number of the delivery vehicle, the contact number, and the number of days for which the exhibitor is applying. Participation in the Fair is free, and the Sinj Tourist Board provides stands for each registered exhibitor.

Due to the limited number of exhibitors, applications will be received until August 4 at 12 pm or until capacity is filled.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

July 22, 2022 - The Sinj Tourist Board Info Center is now open every day ahead of the Sinjska Alka and Assumption festivities! 

An increasing number of foreign and domestic tourists arrive in Sinj every day. As every year, their number will culminate during the Alka and Assumption celebrations, when hundreds of thousands of guests are expected. Therefore, it is imperative to provide them with a feeling of welcome and timely information.

To better inform tourists, the Sinj Tourist Board opened a Tourist Information Center (TIC) on July 20, on Šetalište Street, bl. Alojzija Stepinca 2. They are working from an extremely visible and attractive space (the former office of Alka Marketing) located near the Church of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, next to a park with busts of Sinj's most famous people and the Tripalo Palace. Informants from the Sinj Tourist Board will distribute promotional materials and inform tourists about the offers in the city and the surrounding towns.

The jobs performed by the info center staff, in addition to providing information in direct contact with visitors, also include collecting and updating feedback from tourists who have stayed in the city, all to improve the current tourist offer and infrastructure in the town and its surrounding areas. 

The tourist information center will be open from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and in the high season (August), every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. 

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated travel section.

July 14, 2022 - Alkar training is officially underway at the Alka racecourse, every Monday to Friday from 18:00 to 20:00!

After extensive training at the Sinj hippodrome and the Sinjsko polje plains, the Alkars continue preparations at the Alka racecourse from today, July 14.

Zizic

Every day from Monday to Friday, from 18:00 to 20:00, you can be a part of the unique preparations and see how the Alkars sharpen their eagle eye and adjust their right hand. This also helps the horses at the Alka stable get used to the lively environment and the sand of the Alka track.

Branko Covic

As August and the Alka festivities approach, the whole of Sinj beats to the rhythm of the marching bands of the City Music and the galloping of horses. The streets of the city that lives for Alka, the flagship of UNESCO and Croatian and world intangible heritage, are buzzing.

It all starts on Friday, August 5 at 17:30 with the competition for the 307th Bara. The 307th Čoja will follow on Saturday, August 6, also at 17:30, and on Sunday, August 7, at 16:30, Alkars will fight to win and mark their name in the Alka's long and rich history.

Entrance to the training, as well as to Bara and Čoja, is free. Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of these unique events in the world and participate live in the Sinjska Alka preparations! 

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

June 21, 2022 - The Marian Shrines Spiritual Heritage Congress was held from Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19, at the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj and in the historic Alkarski Dvori building.

In addition to the congress part and presentations, a tour of the city of Sinj was organized for all participants with tourist guide Ivan Vuleta, a concert by the Brodosplit City Choir, and a trip to Vrlika with a history lesson by Miroslav Katić near the Church of the Holy Salvation. 

The organizer of this congress for tourism and preserving sacred heritage was the Sinj Tourist Board, with the support and cooperation of the Shrine of Our Lady of Sinj and the Christian Business Club from Zagreb.

Representatives of Croatian Marian shrines attended the congress, but also representatives of Marian shrines of the Croatian people from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. After the introductory prayer of the host, Fr. Ante Čova, guardian and manager of the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, there were welcoming speeches by Miro Bulj, Mayor of Sinj, Stipe Čogelja, Deputy Mayor of Split-Dalmatia County and Gordana Nakić, Minister of Science, Education, Culture and Sports of Hercegbosna County.

Speakers at the first congress: the host, Fr. Ante Čovo, guardian and manager of the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, Rev. Domagoj Matošević, Rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Bistrica, Fr. Krunoslav Kocijan, Guardian of the Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat, Monsignor Antun Sente Jr., Rector of the National Shrine of St. Josip in Karlovac, Rev. Ivan Ereiz, manager of the Shrine of Our Lady of Voćin - Voćin, Rev. Ivo Čorić, manager of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy from the Bay of Kotor (Montenegro), don Jerko Vuleta, - manager of the Shrine of Our Lady of Zečevo - Nin and Mario Matijević, who represented the Shrine of Our Lady of Otok from Solin. Fr. Gabrijel Jurišić from Croatia, editor of the Kačić Proceedings, spoke about the connection between Marian shrines and the work of the Croatian Mariological Institute. All concluded that they are not afraid for the future of Marian shrines because Our Lady's beauty and love are never forgotten, and her help and protection remain woven into the hearts of pilgrims. Thus, both during the Covid pandemic and the earthquake, many people, gladly and with great faith, came to these shrines and sought the intercession of the Heavenly Mother.

Zdravko Tuba, guardian and pastor of the Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Molve and national spiritual assistant, stressed that the development of religious tourism within the sanctuary requires the necessary supporting infrastructure.

In addition to representatives and managers of Marian shrines, the congress was attended by representatives of tourist boards. Joško Stella, Director of the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, Matea Dorčić, Head of the Split-Dalmatia County Tourism and Maritime Office, Rujana Bušić Srpak, Director of the Vukovar-Srijem County Tourist Board, Jelena Stupalo, director of TZG Solin, Marija Dejanović, director of TZG Nin and Morena Smoljan Makragić, director of TZG Vodnjan, who addressed the participants through presentations and roundtables. The following representatives of fraternities and pilgrims shared their experiences in organizing pilgrimages: Fr. Domagoj Runje, who organizes a monthly a walk along the Path to Our Lady of Sinj together with Fr. Božo Vulet, Krešimir and Jelena Čeko from the Marjan Vow for the Homeland and Marija Pražen from Putevi Sv. Jakova- Camino Croatia.

Miroslav Katić, director of the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, Ante Jurčević, director of the Split Archaeological Museum, and Lino Ursić, from the Office for Tourism and Maritime Affairs of the Split-Dalmatia County, spoke about the sacral heritage. There was also Rev. Fr. Tomislav Korov, from the Đakovo-Osijek Archdiocese, who received his doctorate on the topic "Model of strategic management of religious tourism destinations," and Rev. Anđelko Katanec, Commissioner for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Tourists of the Zagreb Archdiocese.

Stipe Božić, the famous alpinist, representative, and longtime member of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, especially emphasized the value of themed trails, such as how the Our Lady of Sinj trail connects different destinations.

The Congress was moderated by: Fr. Domagoj Runje, Rev. Anđelko Katanec, Ph.D. Branimir Romac, Monika Vrgoč and Krešimir Prevendar.
The Marian Shrine Spiritual Heritage Congress - Sinj 2022 was held under the auspices of Split-Dalmatia County, the Croatian Tourist Board, City of Sinj, Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, Alkar Knights Society, Vrlika Tourist Board, Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments in Split, Municipalities of Dicmo, Municipalities of Hrvace, Municipalities of Otok, City of Vrlika and Hotel Alkar.

You can find the photo album HERE.

For more, check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

June 20, 2022 - The 307th Sinjska Alka will be held on August 7, 2022 - and preparations on the grandstand have already begun! 

Sinjska Ulica Alkarsko trkalište has been closed to all traffic since Monday as they assemble stands for the 307th Sinjska Alka, which will be held on August 7 under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

The installation of the 5,200-seat grandstand and the dirt track on which Alkars will gallop atop Alkar horses should be completed by July 15 at the latest. On that day, the arrival of Alkars at the racetrack is planned to practice hitting their Alkar targets as the last phase of preparations for this year's celebration.

As every year, due to the closure of Alka Racecourse, motor vehicle traffic is diverted to other city streets.

Mario Šušnjara will make his debut in the role of the Alkar duke at this year's Sinjska Alka. Vojvoda Šušnjara invited 36 candidates, including several trainees, to prepare for this year's event. On July 1, they will complete the first part of the preparations through which they practice riding and adapting to the horses.

The Duke will then make the first selection, so about 30 candidates will remain in the further course of preparations. The last selection will be at the beginning of the Alkar week, when Šušnjara, with the help of Ivica Filipović Grčić, will determine 17 Alkar men who will compete to win the 307th Sinjska Alka, the Duke's adjutant, flag bearers and five flag attendants. The Alkar boys, led for the 17th year in a row by Ivo Vukasović Parin, will begin preparations at the beginning of Alkar Week.

Preparations for the Alka, Bara, and Čoja will be supervised by the Honorary Court, which includes Boško Vladović, President and members Dr. Tomislav Župić and Mladen Pletikosić Micko. Their task is to insist on observing the Alka regulations and customs that have been passed down for centuries and which make the Sinjska Alka. 

For more, check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

Junee 13, 2022 - The 2022 SARS Festival in Sinj returns next month for an exciting 19th edition! 

Summer is getting closer and with it comes a new festival season! July 22 and 23 are reserved for the 19th edition of the S.A.R.S. festival in Sinj, which this year brings great musical names and top entertainment to the Sinj Hippodrome.

This year's edition will be enriched by the Gramophone Record Fair, which will be open to all visitors in the afternoon so that music connoisseurs can pick their favorite rarities and enhance their collection, reports Sinjska Rera.

Both festival evenings open with local musicians - Damir Gossain & Zemlja and Šetači, while the audience will also enjoy the performances of rising stars, like the young and extremely talented Ivan Španja aka Bora Balboa, and already well-known and favorite Šibenik group Bluvinil. Letu Štuke will also play first for the first time in Sinj!

A hot atmosphere is promised with the performance of M.O.R.T. who enchant every audience with their infectious energy. In Sinj they are at home, so an absolute party is guaranteed.

“The grand finale of the 19th S.A.R.S. will feature seasoned veterans - Kultur Shock, who won the heart of Sinj with their performance a few years ago, which many agree was the best in the history of the festival! All you have to do is come and see the magic of the sensational guys from Seattle," the organizers said. 

This year, the organizers have provided a camp for visitors, which is certainly a huge plus for visitors coming from outside of Sinj, eager for good fun and top gigs. Early festival tickets at affordable prices are available now through Adriaticket. 

The S.A.R.S. festival is part of SKUP's 'Culture in the Hinterland' program, which is funded by the 'Kultura nova' Foundation for the development of production and/or distribution of works of art, works, and projects.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

May 28, 2022 - On May 27 at the Meštrović Gallery in Split, the Golden Pen awards ceremony was held.

Namely, since 2005, the Croatian National Tourist Board has awarded the "Golden Pen" to emphasize the value of a professional approach to writing and media promotion in Croatia, aware of the importance of the influence of foreign tourism journalists.

Prizes are awarded for the best texts, radio and TV reports, blog posts, and the best post on social networks.

As part of the three-day program for journalists, a special part was organized that took place in Bol and Sinj, hosted by local tourist boards. The program in Sinj began with a tour of the Sinjska Alka Museum, where journalists and directors of CNTB offices, accompanied by Alkars Frane Ivković (winner of the 300th Sinj Alka), Mihovil Župa (winner of the 306th Sinj Alka) and Alkar boys Mirko Malbaša and Petra Cvitković, were greeted by Monika Vrgoč, director of the Sinj Tourist Board, Boris Filipović Grčić, head of the Sinjska Alka Museum, Miro Bulj, Mayor of Sinj and Denis Bobeta, Deputy Mayor of Sinj.

They visited the museum exhibition accompanied by tourist guide Dino Ivančić, and Tomislav Barhanović, the museum's curator. This was followed by a tour of the Grad Fortress, where part of the program continued with the performance of the Klapa Cetinjanka from Hrvace, the Association for the Preservation of the Heritage of the Cetina region, and the Rera and Gusle Association from Otok. Refreshments were prepared by the famous bartender and cocktail master Jure Vojković. In addition to traditional tunes on the list of the intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia and UNESCO, they were introduced to the events in the famous battle of 1715, the close link between the knightly Alka game and the worship of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj and a panoramic view of the Sinj field and the mountain beauties that surround it, with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

This year, the Croatian National Tourist Board organized the 18th Golden Pen Awards Ceremony in cooperation with the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board and the Split Tourist Board. On that occasion, 17 awards to foreign journalists, bloggers, and influencers for the best media coverage of Croatia as a tourist destination last year were given at the Meštrović Gallery.

The Sinj Tourist Board is extremely pleased that among the awarded journalists are Lojze Wieser and Florian Gebauer from the Austrian television company ORF, who last year recorded the award-winning show "Tastes of Europe - Dalmatia" with articles from Sinj and the Sinj area. They were in Sinj yesterday with Branimir Tončinić, director of the Vienna office.

The Sinj Tourist Board would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their successful cooperation and assistance in the organization, especially: the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, the Alkar Knights Society, the Sinjska Alka Museum, the Museum of Cetina Krajina - Sinj, the Cetina Klapa, the Association of Old Crafts, OPG Moro, OPG Župić, OPG Mravak, Juri Vojković, Stipe Prološčić, Edo Crljen, and Tonća Klapež, management and staff of the restaurant Kod Frane - Ovrlja and Čistoća Cetinske krajine - Sinj!

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.