If you've been following TCN, you know Croats love to throw a good fešta. With a hefty fund of historical and cultural heritage, we don't have to look for a party theme for too long.
On Monday, September 18, the city of Makarska will host an attractive spectacle - their traditional reenactment of the naval battle between Croatian pirates and the Venetian fleet!
Yes, it's an actual historic event: on September 18, 887, the pirates of Neretva dealt a heavy blow to the Venetian Navy, defeating their fleet headed by the Doge of Venice, Pietro I Candiano. He arrived at the port of Makarska with twelve galleys and sank five Narentine ships, but the Narantines proved to be a much worthier opponent than he thought, as they crushed his entire fleet in the open battle that followed.
After the embarrassing defeat, the Venetians were forced to pay prince Branimir of Croatia an annual tribute in gold, in order to retain the right to sail in Croatian waters. The battle known as Mucules is remembered to this day and September 18 is celebrated as the Croatian Navy Day; the City of Makarska devised the spectacular event five years ago to add to the festivities.
More than 100 people are about to take part in the reenactment, ranging from actors to the tech crew. The local 'pirates' will be joined by other pirate colleagues from Komine, Krvavica and Omiš.
On 19:15, the participants and the audience will march along the waterfront to the grand pier, where the battle will start at 20:00. The City of Makarska and the Tourist Board invite everyone to join them and see why the reenactment became one of the best visited events on the Makarska Riviera.
Source: Pomorac.net
Photo credit: Makarska Post
