October 15, 2020 - After a successful presentation in June when members of the Cycle Croatia expert team hosted a free ride through the beautiful landscapes of the Sinj plain, the Sinj Tourist Board decided, in these challenging times for everyone, to support this form of promotion once again.

Therefore, to improve the tourist offer of Inland Dalmatia, everyone is invited to a free presentation of electric bicycles, which the company Cycle Croatia would include in its regular offer. The event will be held on October 18, departing from Hrvac (Most na Panju), along the beautiful river Cetina. The start is at 9:30, and the final destination is the miraculous source of the Cetina river.

In order to implement all necessary measures, in accordance with the recommendations of the Civil Protection Headquarters and the NZJZ, the number of participants is limited to 25. Participants must register by Friday (October 16) at noon.

Cycling route:

Source of the Cetina (33km, 330vm)

Join us on a cycling tour along Perućko Lake to the source of the Cetina!

The slopes of the Dinara and Vrdovo on one side and Perućko Lake on the other create a magical backdrop away from the murmurs and sounds of the city.

The starting point of this tour is the family farm Panj in Rumin. A quiet country road takes you outside settlements towards the lake. The clean air and blue of the lake will for sure bring a smile to everyone’s face. At the other end of the lake, you can visit old abandoned mills that still resonate with the sounds of the river. Before coming to springs, stop and see the impressive church of St. Salvation from the 9th century.

After that, head to the source of the Cetina and soak it all in!

October 14, 2020 - A look at the many reasons why you should visit Sinj and the Cetina region this autumn! 

The mountain beauties of the Cetina region are dressed shyly and imperceptibly in their magical autumn attire. The glades and forests of Kamešnica, Svilaja, Visoka, and Dinara shine with colors with which only untouched nature can paint on its canvas. Rich, ripe fruits turn golden and yellow at every step, offering their sweet nectar to the palate of casual travelers.

Let's leave the screens and virtual worlds, let ourselves be calmed by the autumn twilight by walking on one of the many arranged hiking trails in Sinj and its surroundings. The mysterious forest flora and fauna will reward the visitor with magnificent vistas and magical microcosms and provide connoisseurs with a delicious and healing winter from this unique garden of God.

Ivan Alebic

Cycling enthusiasts are not deprived of their passion either: the cycling trails of the Cetina region lead through the most interesting landscapes and views, telling stories from the region's history along the way and unobtrusively. Across the bridges of our karst queen Cetina, to the ancient Roman remains, old mills, churches, and picturesque hamlets where time seems to stand still - it will surely make you come back.

Monika Vrgoc

And the fact that Sinj does not carry the epithet of the Alka town in vain is proved by the deep connection with riding and horse breeding. Touring the surroundings in the saddle of these noble animals is a special experience. The rider and the horse become an inseparable whole while discovering new beauties with a light, soothing trot or a lively gallop.

Water is the source of life - the clear and lively Cetina dominates its area from the source at the foot of the Dinara to the mouth of the Omis. With its tributaries, it has woven a network among fertile, green fields that it feeds with its drinkability and the local population that swears that there is no "sweeter" water anywhere. Sometimes calm as oil, sometimes elusive and alive - it is best to know her by kayaking or canoeing.

Monika Vrgoc

For those more impatient and eager for adrenaline, driving quad vehicles brings you kilometers of unrestrained off-road pleasure, macadam, and wind in your hair - it's hard to resist and not come back again.

Maybe we shouldn't indulge too much in the modern saying: "If it's not on social networks, it hasn't happened," but we definitely recommend taking a camera on trips and research. The images that will be in front of your eyes deserve light-eyed immortalization. The opportunities for photo safaris are countless; let yourself wander through the lens.

And when the miles take a toll on sweet fatigue, it’s time to quench your hunger and thirst with local delicacies. It is not a cliché to say that no one left Sinj hungry - the hospitable hosts and their gastronomic offer are unmatched. From homemade fry bread, cheese and prosciutto for appetizers, to meat specialties prepared traditionally under the bell, unsurpassed Sinj arambašići, pasticada, trout, frogs and crabs, to sweet fritters, crostuli, and rafioli, all topped with a drop of local Croatian wine - the people of Sinj have something for every taste.

Spiritual strengthening will bring a pilgrimage to Our Miraculous Lady of Sinj. As one of the largest Croatian Mary shrines, Sinj attracts many pilgrims throughout the year, but it is especially worth mentioning the Path to Our Lady of Sinj, a marked pilgrimage route through picturesque areas with rich historical heritage. On a spiritual journey to the heavenly mother, the pilgrim passes by the remains of old paths and bridges, forts, tombstones, sacral buildings, and museums.

October 7, 2020 - The National Prosciutto and Cured Meats Fair will be held at the Alkar Hotel in Sinj on October 16 and 17, 2020. 

The National Prosciutto and Cured Meats Fair, with International Participation in Sinj, promotes the traditional way of producing cured meat products in cooperation with the new standards. Thanks to the constant engagement of all associates, manufacturers, institutions, and experts, the fair is being held for the fifteenth year in a row.

In recent years, the National Prosciutto Fair in Sinj was held in March or April with about 70 exhibitors, and it took on international character due to the participation of exhibitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Italy. The exhibition includes prosciutto, cured meat products, cheese, wine, olive oil, and traditional products produced in the rural part of Dalmatia, Lika, Slavonia, and the Dalmatian islands.

Producers of prosciutto and other cured meat products from Croatia, representatives of the regional meat industry, producers' associations, family farms engaged in pig breeding and prosciutto production, and leading retail chains, hoteliers, and caterers are expected to participate in the Fair this year, in compliance with all epidemiological measures.

In addition to the exhibition, a rich cultural and artistic program will be organized. Within the fair, it is planned to organize professional and educational panels where producers and visitors could be informed about topics related to production, marketing, protection, and promotion of traditional products (quality labels, introduction standards, association models, the technology of production, and processing of prosciutto) and incentive and funding programs by government and other institutions, especially through tenders intended for rural areas.

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August 24, 2020 - On Saturday, August 22, as part of the traditional Musical Evenings at the Kamicak Fortress, organized by the Sinj Tourist Board, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia and the City of Sinj, a magnificent concert was successfully held under the stars with trio Ventus and trio Ex ponto.

In the unique and beautiful ambiance of the Kamicak fortress, guests could witness a real ambient and musical spectacle under the starry sky, virtuoso performances of top musicians in the trio Ventus and trio Ex Ponto. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held in an adapted form, in compliance with the recommendations and measures of the Civil Protection Headquarters and the NZJZ.

At a beautiful stage under the open sky, Sinj and its guests were presented the best of classical music by young Sinj artists in the Trio Ventus, and traditional music was presented by renowned performers in the trio Ex Ponto.

Trio Ventus was created in 2018 and operates as an independent project of former students of the Elementary Music School Jakov Gotovac in Sinj. The ensemble consists of Mirna Alfirević - piano, Martina Bilić - flute and Mislav Norac - clarinet. The young academic musicians, winners of a number of awards at national and international competitions, nurture works of various stylistic periods in their repertoire - from classical and romanticism to contemporary music, and pay special attention to performing works by Croatian composers.

Trio Ex Ponto is a newer chamber ensemble on the Croatian music scene created in 2019 with the collaboration of three renowned musicians, Bruno Phillip - clarinet, Mario Igrec - guitar, Ambrozije Puškarić - guitar. These virtuoso musicians prepared an unforgettable journey through Croatian traditional music, klezmer music, and Romanian, Turkish, Macedonian and Greek music traditions.

The concert at Kamicak took place with all the recommended measures of the Civil Protection Headquarters and the NZJZ. Members of the SRMA association took care of their implementation.

The Sinj Tourist Board thanks the employees of KUS-Sinj and Čistoća CK, and everyone who helped us in the realization of the concert, as well as the audience who attended the concert!

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August 14, 2020 - In memory of the glorious defense of Sinj from the Ottoman invasion, the battle of Sinj in 1715 and the events that preceded it were staged this year. The play was organized by the Sinj Tourist Board, with the support of the City of Sinj and the Ministry of Culture, and in cooperation with the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, the Alka Knights Society and KU Marko Marulic.

The plot of the "Battle of Sinj in 1715" took place in two acts. The first act began at the Market Square, King Tomislav Square, where the Ottoman conquest of the town of Sinj, the burning of the church and the enslavement of the regiment were staged. A handful of defenders with the image of the Mother of God took refuge in the Sinj Fortress, the easy conquest of which was announced by the arrogant Mustafa-pasha Celic, who triumphantly passed in a carriage with his entourage. This year, the play was enriched by the performance of the Brodosplit City Choir under the direction of maestro Vlado Sunko, and excellent light and sound effects.

In the second act, which took place this year in the original ambiance of the Alkarski dvori, the Defense Council decided to defend its city despite a more numerous and superior enemy. With Our Lady's intercession, the Ottomans were eventually defeated, and the threat of the enemy removed. Led by Fr. Pavle Vučkovic, embodied by Fr. Hrvatin Gabrijel Jurisic, the joyful and grateful faithful have since celebrated their Protector with even greater zeal.

The Battle of Sinj in 1715 is a unique stage spectacle that, with its originality and drama, instantly transports the spectators to the year of the glorious victory that determined the future of the city. The author of the dramatic template was prof. Velimir Borkovic. The play was realized in cooperation with the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj and the Alka Knights Society.

About 100 participants contributed to its successful performance this year. The main actors were Fr. Hrvatin Gabrijel Jurišić, Marko Duvnjak, Bruno Barać, Marijan Grbavac, Damir Žane Alebić, Saša Miletić, Bobo Delonga, Dijana Ivić Kundid, Bože Pavić, Sanja Gojun Vučković, Vedrana Vrgoč, Željko Domjanović, Anđelka Vučković, Marija Mandac, Dino Vukovic, Dubravka Vukovic, Mario Vujevic and Marko Jelincic.

In addition to amateur theater actors, participation was included by members of the historical unit of the Klis Uskoks, the Patriot Veterans' Cooperative, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, the Association of Rera and Gusla from Otok, the Association for the Preservation of the Heritage of the Cetina Region, Sinjski Ferali, and cavalrymen of the Alkar Equestrian Club 1968 and Marko Vuković, horses of the Alkar stud farm, and the carriage was taken care of by Mr. Davor Ivkovic. The director of the play was the prominent theater, television and film actor Robert Kurbaša. The assistant director was Bruno Barać, and the playwright and producer is Luka Perković.

This year's performance was also dedicated to all Croatian veterans, and to all those who helped hold the show, but are no longer with us.

The Sinj Tourist Board truly thanks all employees and members of VAD, the Monastery of Our Lady of Sinj, the Purity of the Cetina Region - Sinj, KUS - Sinj, Kamička dd, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, members of the Veterans Cooperative Patriot, the historical unit of Klis Uskoks, the Association of Rera and Gusla from Otok, Sinj Majorettes, the Association for the Preservation of the Heritage of the Cetina Region, the Association of Sinjski Ferali, the Association SRMA, KGK Alkar 1968, KU Marko Marulić, Ms. Vesna Bader and Branka Marinović for scenography and props, staff and owner of the restaurant Alkarski dvori, and all who selflessly helped the successful realization of this spectacle.

Special thanks go to Mr. Vlado Sunko and GZ Brodosplit who magnified this play with the performance of the cantata to Our Lady of Sinj and thus gave it a new dimension in a unique way, then to media representatives and the audience who, despite pandemic conditions, participated successfully and patiently in implementing all recommended measures by the Civil Protection, as well as the Croatian Institute of Public Health, to preserve health.

To read more about Inland Dalmatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

August 13, 2020 -  Despite the coronavirus epidemic, the town of Sinj successfully maintained the continuity of Alka festivities, but can they do the same for Velika Gospa? A new program has been announced.

Slobodna Dalmacija reports that the Assumption of Mary will be observed from two focuses - the organization of the feast and religious ceremonies that include pilgrimages, meeting the image of Our Lady, confession, and the celebration of Holy Mass. The latter is, in fact, the meaning of the faithful's visit to Our Lady of Sinj.

In the first part, significant changes have already taken place concerning the established practice of recent decades. Ante Covo, the Guardian of Sinj, emphasized that the celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated "in a slightly different form".

Thus, from July 26 to August 16, the Franciscans of Sinj celebrate all Holy Masses in the monastery yard, and through video walls, the faithful can participate in Masses in the premises of the church and the convent. Singing is shortened during Holy Mass, and choirs sing from the church choir.

The most significant change relates to the traditional central procession through the city in which the image of Our Lady is carried on the holiday. This, unfortunately, has been canceled this year. The Franciscans say they have canceled the procession "in order to avoid provocation and, God forbid, be a hotbed of contagion."

In order to reduce the gathering of a larger number of believers at certain hours, on August 14 and 15, Holy Mass will be held almost every hour. Hand disinfection is mandatory at the entrance to the convent, and wearing masks is also recommended. While waiting in line for communion, a distance is kept, and it is recommended to be with family members and to avoid socializing with strangers.

Pilgrims arriving in Sinj and local believers generally adhere to all measures and recommendations. During the past ten days, a river of people has already passed through Sinj, although in several times smaller numbers than before.

It can be assumed that due to caution and justified fear of the virus, this year's number of pilgrims to the shrine of Our Lady of Sinj will be significantly lower. The previous religious gatherings in the church of Our Lady of Sinj were not the focus of the infection. The hope remains that this will be the case after the Assumption of Mary. 

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August 10, 2020 - Let's hop in the Sinj time machine and go back to 1715 when it all began! The Battle of Sinj reenactment will be held this Wednesday, August 12. 

Organized by the Sinj Tourist Board, on Wednesday, August 12, at 8:30 pm, the 1715 Battle of Sinj, as well as the events that had just preceded it, will be reenacted at King Tomislav Square (Pijaci)!

The historical spectacle takes place in two acts.

The first act is staged on Sinj's main square, when the Ottomans conquered the town of Sinj in a dramatic and violent raid, set fire to 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 ambiance of Alkarski dvori. The Defense Council, despite the almost hopeless situation, does not even think of retreating and decides to defend its city from a more numerous, superior and stronger enemy.

According to tradition, it was with Our Lady's help that the Ottomans were defeated, and Sinj freed from the threat of the enemy, leaving the walls of Christianity. Led by Fr. Pavle Vučković (embodied by high school professor, scientist, writer, editor and publisher Fr. Gabrijel Hrvatin Jurišić, a self-effacing priest and an inexhaustible source of wisdom, he recently celebrated a diamond Mass and a brilliant 60 years of priesthood), joyful and grateful believers have since celebrated their patron with even greater zeal.

The author of the dramatic template is prof. Velimir Borkovic. The play was realized in cooperation with the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady in Sinj and the Alka Knights Society. Numerous actors from amateur theaters are participating, and the main characters are Gabrijel Jurišić, Marko Duvnjak, Bruno Barać, Marijan Grbavac, Damir Žane Alebić, Saša Miletić, Bobo Delonga, Dijana Ivić Kundid, Bože Pavić, Vedrana Vrgoč, Sanja Gojun, Anđelka Vučković, Mario Vujević, Marko Jelinčić, Anđelka Vučković, Dino Vuković, Dubravka Vuković, Marija Mandac, members of KU Marko Marulić, GZ Brodosplit, historical units of Kliški uskok, Veterans' Cooperative Patriot, Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, dance theater GMS, KUD Dicmo, KUD Glavice, Sinj majorettes, the Association for the Preservation of the Heritage of the Cetina Region, the Association of Rera and Gusle from Otok, the Sinj Ferali, the horsemen of the Alka Knights Society, the horses of the Alka Stable, and Mr. Davor Ivkovic.

Nikola Belancic

The director is prominent theater, television and film actor Robert Kurbaša, the assistant director is Bruno Barać, and the playwright and producer is Luka Perković. This year's novelty is the performance of the Brodosplit City Choir under the direction of Mr. Vlado Sunko, a famous music pedagogue, conductor and composer, with the performance of the cantata Our Lady of Sinj.

The Battle of Sinj in 1715 is a unique stage spectacle - under the auspices of the August night of Sinj; the entire city becomes a stage that, with its originality, transports the viewer 305 years into the past!

All visitors are asked to adhere to the recommendations of the Civil Protection Headquarters and the Croatian Institue of Public Health. The volunteers will take care to implement all necessary measures so that everyone can be safe and responsible.

To read more about Sinj, follow TCN's dedicated page.

August 9, 2020 - The 305th Sinjska Alka was held on Sunday in Sinj, under strict epidemiological measures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Slobodna Dalmacija reports that the Sinjska Alka is a well-known Croatian knight's game, established in memory of the great victory of the Venetian army and the people of the Cetina region over the Ottomans on August 14, 1715. Seventeen Alkars competed in the Alka on Sunday, and the Alka festivities were held under special circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sinj Alka was attended by President Zoran Milanovic, president of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandrokovic, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, as well as a number of ministers. 

Instead of the usual 5,000+ spectators lined along the Alka track, this year, there were only 1,400 spectators in the stands. All spectators had to give their name, surname and telephone number so that epidemiologists could do their job more easily should an outbreak occur.

The Alka duke signaled to start 305th Sinjska Alka just before 5 pm. Frano Ivkovic, the winner of the 304th Sinjska Alka, was the first to go, though his attempt was unsuccessful.

Ivo Zorica was named the winner of the Sinjska Alka on Sunday, after accumulating seven points on the legendary racetrack. After the third round, he escaped debutants Martin Susnjari and Nenad Maric.

Ivo Zorica was born in 1983, and according to his education, he is an economic technician employed at the PBZ branch in Sinj. He is married to Monica, with whom he has a son and a daughter, and comes from the famous Zorica family as the second Alkar. Accompanied by the flag, he made his debut in 2000, and in 2002 he became an Alkar spearman. From 2006 to 2013, he was the deputy alaj čauš.

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August 7, 2020 - Everything is ready for the 305th Sinjska Alka, which will be held this Sunday in Sinj, under special epidemiological measures and corona rules.

Due to the epidemic, the Alkars trained separately, and the number of spectators in the stands has been reduced. The knights' competition is preceded by the Bara, which is scheduled for today, and the Čoja, which runs on Saturday.

There are no tickets on sale this time around, and the only hotel in the Sinj region is almost completely filled with guests. Small renters in the Sinj region, which lives for the Alka, are also satisfied with the reservations. This year is no exception.

The last dress rehearsal before the competition was held on the Alka track in Sinj on Thursday. RTL's Jelena Tešija was there with one of the organizers. You can see the video here.

Sinj claims they will not become a new coronavirus focus.

"Not at all, because we implemented all the recommendations and agreements we had with the national and county headquarters so that we had two groups in the preparation of the Alkars themselves, and we reduced the number of spectators to one quarter at the track. Therefore, it will be very small, almost impossible to spread infection," said Stipe Jukic, president of the Alka Knights Society Sinj.

"We divided Alkars into two groups: groups A and B of 15 each, so we adhere to the measures. If one group becomes infected and ends up in self-isolation, there is another that can do Alka to the very end, because according to the statute, the minimum number is 11 to do Alka," said Ivica Filipovic-Grcic.

In the end, 17 of the best were selected, among them one debutant.

To be sure no corona spreads, there will be no reception or a traditional celebration.

"All events that are otherwise in preparation of the Alka, and lead to gathering a larger number of people, have in some way been canceled," said Jukic.

The Sinjska Alka has run since 1715, both in war and in peace, but rarely in such circumstances.

"It was rescheduled once during an epidemic, as it was during cholera in 1855, so instead it took place in October," said Monika Vrgoc, director of the Sinj Tourist Board.

The 305th Sinjska Alka will be held on Sunday and will be followed by the entire state leadership.

Source: Dalmacija Danas, RTL

To read more about Inland Dalmatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

July 25, 2020 - On July 23, a fabulous jazz concert by ZZ Quartet was held at the Kamicak Fortress, organized by the Sinj Tourist Board and the Sinj Cultural and Artistic Center, with the support of the City of Sinj.

In the unique and beautiful ambiance of the Kamicak Fortress, we witnessed a real ambient and musical spectacle under the starry sky, a virtuoso performance of top jazz musicians from the ZZ Quartet consisting of Simone Zanchini, Ratko Zjaca, Martin Gjakonovski and Joze Zadravec.

Thanks to the rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage, as well as a number of diverse cultural events, Sinj and the Cetina region have long been engraved in golden letters on the tourist map of Croatia. Thanks to the pursuit of sustainable tourism, the coexistence of carefully designed activities that are equally enjoyed by both hosts and guests, events in the Alkar city always attract attention and a growing audience.

An example of such events is the concerts at the Kamicak Fortress. Concerts of classical, but also traditional and jazz music are organized at the authentic and unique fortress with a beautiful stage under the open sky. Such an approach popularizes these, perhaps somewhat neglected, musical expressions, and where better than in Sinj, a city of rich musical tradition.

The Sinj Tourist Board has been organizing successful and extremely well-attended concerts for several years through the Musical Evenings in Kamicak program. The following concerts have been held at this authentic location so far: Academic Accordion Orchestra "Ivan Goran Kovacic", Sara Reinar, Jazz swing quintet "Repassage", Wind Quintet "Kalamos", unique percussion ensemble "Sudar Percussion", ethno musician Dunja Knebl with Kololir, ethno group Veja, Nocturnal 4., and organized by KUS - Ethno Kamicak festival, which was not held this year due to the epidemiological situation.

All performances have been well received, and the ambiance of the fortress under the stars proved to be a hit on Wednesday.

This year, following the recommendations of the Civil Protection Headquarters and the CNIPH, the best of jazz music was presented to the concert attendees by world-renowned performers, Simone Zanchini, Ratko Zjaca, Martin Gjakonovski and Joze Zadravec. The enthusiasm of the audience could not be hidden. The performers and the audience enjoyed a truly unique musical spectacle.

The Sinj Tourist Board thanks everyone who helped bring this concert to life, as well as everyone who attended and adhered to all recommended measures. For all those who couldn't make it, the local Hit radio will broadcast a recording of the concert.