President Milanović: The great victory of the Croatian Army occurred right at the time when the Sinjska Alka is held
“Knight and horseman, Alkar Jure Domazet Lošo, proud son of Cetinska Krajina and Croatian Dalmatia – I congratulate you. And as the duke said, carry this banner, this pennant proudly through the streets of our Sinj, the Dalmatian, Croatian town, the cradle of chivalry and Alkarhood,” said the President of the Republic, Zoran Milanović, congratulating the winner of the 309th Sinjska Alka, held today in Sinj.
The winner, Jure Domazet Lošo, was presented by President Milanović, in his role as patron, with a sabre and a golden ring featuring the Croatian coat of arms. President Milanović attended the Alka alongside Vjosa Osmani, the President of Kosovo, who was a special guest at this year’s 309th edition of the historic event, which symbolizes courage, unity, and victory, and has brought together many dignitaries from Croatia and abroad.
In his speech, the President recalled the history of the Alka from 1715 to the present day and stated that the Alka “has always been flexible and responsive to events, but in reality, it has not been political.”
“And then the Homeland War occurred, which ended with a great victory of the Croatian Army in the early days of August, right at the time when the Sinjska Alka is also held. Whether this is a coincidence or providence, I do not know, but I want to believe that it is not a coincidence. The historical remembrance of this nation, which began with an entertaining game around which people gathered, not just in Sinj but elsewhere, has ultimately led to a form of catharsis, a spiritual elevation and purification of the Croatian nation and people through that victory. And we celebrate that victory tomorrow,” said President Milanović.
In his speech, President Milanović extended a special greeting to Vjosa Osmani, the President of Kosovo, a “friendly country that has had a similar, though not identical, fate to that of us Croats.”
“We had a difficult start, defended by only a few good people, and initially received no help. All these allies and friends sat idly by. Kosovo, on the other hand, began with significant support, which has since diminished. Now they are left to fend for themselves, with five EU and NATO members not recognizing them. That is why she is here today as my guest, and why, alongside our celebrations and days of pride and glory, this is also a tribute and acknowledgment to our friendly country,” said President Milanović.
President Milanović concluded his speech by quoting the words of a Croatian journalism doyenne who, as he put it, is our son, your son from Sinj, from Lučane, just over the hill, who spoke and wrote about the Alka some time ago, and who is unfortunately deceased: “Posture is everything to both horse and man. The Alka must be beautiful, more beautiful, and the most beautiful. In it, you must see upbringing, valour, tradition, honesty, and joy. The Alka must be joy. Therefore, we look forward to the next year and good luck!’” President Milanović concluded.
Ahead of the 309th Sinjska Alka, Presidents Milanović and Osmani visited the exhibition “Vanja Radauš i Stipe Sikirica – dijalog učitelja i učenika” [Vanja Radauš and Stipe Sikirica – A Dialogue between Teacher and Pupil], accompanied by their spouses, under the expert guidance of curator Ana Žanko. They also toured the Sinjska Alka Museum and attended a reception hosted by the Alka duke at which Stipe Jukić, President of the Alka Knights’ Society, presented them with gifts.
Alongside President Milanović at this year’s Alka ceremony were Melita Mulić, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Human Rights and Civil Society, and Neven Pelicarić, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Foreign and European Policy.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Dario Andrišek