Josip Vučković Bakalarić is the winner is of the 61st Children’s Alka Vučkovići which took place over the weekend in front of two thousand visitors in Sinj.
The ceremony began in the morning with a bang of the mačkula and Holy Mass in the cemetery of St. Nicholas, along with a wreath-laying ceremony for the dead Brnažane from the war. Afterwards everyone began gathering on the tops of small villages, followed by a procession through the streets, the Alka race track, and a ceremonial opening of the famous children’s Alka.
After the national anthem, which was performed by the Brass Band of Sinj, a minute of silence was held for all of the deceased. A speech was then given by Duke Mladen Vučković-Bumbar, wishing the children in the Alka a “clear eye and a solid right hand”, with hopes that someone from generation Vučković will soon become a lancer in the Sinj Alka. The competition then kicked off.
The third race sealed the deal for “alkarić” Josip Vučković Bakalarić who had five points and during this race hit the nail – winning the children’s Alka and creating a great celebration of spectators and his whole family.
Three days of festivities were prepared for visitors, including a rich cultural program, free food and drinks. Yesterday, the final day of the ceremony, the main attraction was the baked Ox which weighed 425kg and took 10 hours to prepare by a team from Novih Sela and Ugljan, led by Jozo Coric. There were hundreds of liters of wine, beer and juice, with the whole festival accompanied by great music.
This unique event was held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and the cities of Zagreb and Sinj. Among other representatives and sponsors were mayor of Zagreb Kristijan Kapović, MP Miro Bulj, the mayor of Split Ivo Baldasar, vice mayor of Sinj Zlatko Ugrin, Head in the Zagreb City Administration Miro Laco, Vice President GV Sinj Milan Smoljo, President Mo Brnaze and “arambaša” Sinj Alka Ivo Vukasović, prof.dr.sc Fr. Ante Vučković, a delegation led by a VAD 301. the winner of Alka Tina Radanovic, alajčaušem Ivica Filipovic Grcic, President NO VAD’s Jerko Ivandić, and numerous celebrities from the cultural and political life in the county of Split-Dalmatia.
