August the 11th, 2026 – Located in the very heart of central Dalmatia, Omiš is closely connected to the world of the pirate, and the 18th of August promises an absolute spectacle at sea.
If you’ve ever been to Dalmatia (and particularly if you’ve sailed along the heavily indented coastline and islands), you may have asked how the country fared back during the days when marauding pirates ruled the Adriatic. Turning the pages of the history book (a long way) back, we find ourselves in an era where piracy wasn’t nearly as frowned upon as it is today. Back then, it was a legitimate business that only the brave dared try their hand (or sword) at.
Along the heavily indented, cove-ridden rocks of the Dalmatian coast, the tradition of piracy goes back even further. It was noted way back during the reign of the various Illyrian tribes that used to live there before the ethnic Croatians arrived.
a hard lesson for venice…
Across the Adriatic Sea, the mighty and somewhat problematic Venetian Empire was very wary of the pirates from Croatia’s Neretva basin. Dominating Adriatic trade, Venice stacked up its enemies and had good reason to keep looking over its proverbial shoulder.
Indeed, back in 887 AD, a battle near Makarska between the Venetians and the so-called Narentine pirates took place, and during which Venetian Duke Pietro Candiano lost his life and his fleet was sunk to the watery depths below. After this event, the Venetians likely paid dearly for the freedom to travel and trade without encountering problems in the Croatian part of the Adriatic.
That relative ease didn’t last long, as the Omiš pirates (or gusari, if you want to truly go local) began disrupting it. That time period coincided with the rising prominence of the Kačić dynasty during the 12th century. This family didn’t have a tree. It was more like a forest. They were dukes and widely known for their ruthlessness and ruled over a large part of southern and central Dalmatia. Although they were officially the subjects of the Hungarian-Croatian king, they enjoyed plenty of autonomy. They opted to use that by organising professional piracy within their dominion.
keeping up with the Kačić family
This fearsome dynasty controlled the majority of the maritime traffic along the eastern Adriatic coast, and both Venetian and Ragusan (Dubrovnik) merchants had to pay up if they wanted to ensure their safe passage through that part of the sea. Just how far they were willing to go in their efforts to fully control that traffic is best explained by the fact that they were accused of attacking the vessels which took the Crusaders to the Palestine, and that even the Pope Honorius III started a war with the pirates, which he lost.
Every peace agreed upon with the Kačić family and Omiš pirates was short-lived, and it took almost two centuries to defeat them and establish safer passage along the Adriatic coast. The Kačić dynasty was eventually defeated and expelled from Omiš after the Venetians finally got the upper hand in 1287. Piracy lingered on, but it eventually weakened. By the time 1444 rolled around, Omiš ended up entirely occupied by the Venetians, and that marked the end of the tradition of piracy once and for all.
Thankfully, you can now freely sail in Dalmatia without any fear of being plundered, pillaged, or forced to pay for your safe passage, but it wasn’t always so peaceful!
Omiš takes us back to its pirate past on august the 18th
Now we’ve delved into the history of just why pirates are so significant to this part of the Dalmatian coast, we can look at what’s to come. After a six year break, Omiš is finally bringing back its beloved Pirate Battle. If you were to ask most people, they’d argue that it’s by far the Adriatic’s most spectacular historical reenactment, and it couldn’t possibly take place in a more apt location. On Tuesday the 18th of August, the Port of Omiš will shed all signs of modernity and totally transform into an authentic thirteenth-century battlefield.
Old vessels will cut across the water, cannons will drown out the summertime cicadas, swords will be drawn and fireworks will light up the blackness of the night sky above the Cetina canyon’s imposing rock faces. This is so much more than a show by the sea, it’s a living, accurate recreation of the moment when the fearless pirates of Omiš outsmarted the powerful and problematic Venice and cemented their rightful place in Dalmatian and indeed wider Croatian legend.
spectators will watch an ancient pirate battle from a modern setting
The last Pirate Battle took place in 2019, just before the coronavirus pandemic struck. An extremely extensive 15 million euro reconstruction of the Port of Omiš began soon after, forcing the event into a temporary pause. Now, the brand-new pier and seafront promenade are finally complete, offering the perfect stage for one of Croatia’s most atmospheric summer spectacles. You’ll be able to watch this ancient battle from a modern waterfront, witnessing heritage and history blend with modern Omiš in perfect harmony.
The newly renovated port and accompanying waterfront can comfortably host 10,000+ spectators, meaning that you’re guaranteed to find a spot from which you can enjoy the re-enactment and the rest of this marvellous event.
Around 150 costumed participants will take part in the upcoming event, with the local KPU Omiški gusari (Omiš Pirates Association) at the helm (no pun intended). They’ll be joined by allied historical groups from across the rest of Croatia: Kumpanija Vela Luka, the Dubrovački trombunjeri, the Klis Uskoks, Društvo Poljičana Sveti Jure – Priko, Bakar Town Guard 1848 and the Požega Town Guard. The event is being entirely organised by the Omiš Tourist Board, with great care paid both to historical accuracy and as a big “welcome back” to a much loved event.
what we can expect on the evening
The programme is set to begin early so that families with children and history lovers can soak up every moment.
18:30 – Activities for children on the waterfront will take place.
19:15 – A grand parade of all of the historical troops through the ancient streets of Omiš will delight all those gathered.
20:15 – The main event will begin, with the Pirate Battle itself in taking place in the ultra-modern, new port.
celebrations across the town
Immediately after that, the celebrations will continue with a performance by Kumpanija Vela Luka, ceremonial cannon fire from the famous Dubrovački trombunjeri (21:10), a dramatic fire show and an incredible fireworks display that will light up the entire harbour and the surrounding tall cliffs which make this town is instantly recognisable (21:40). Once those cannons eventually do fall silent, the celebrations will move to the Croatian Veterans’ Park. Organised by KPU Omiški gusari, the after-party features local food and drink, demonstrations of traditional crafts and a live concert by the popular band Vigor (21:50).
We can say with confidence that this is certainly the perfect way to bring an unforgettable Omiš summer evening to a close.
here’s a look at 2019’s event to get you prepared!
Should you need further information, look no further than here, and make sure to follow along on Instagram for more fantastic images and videos.
