August 10, 2019 – The famous Omiš pirate battle returns this year on August 18th!
The reenactment of the historic 13th-century battle between the pirates of Omiš and the Venetians takes place every year on the same date, August 18, in the town of Omiš, reports Dalmacija Danas.
In case you didn’t already know, owing to the rich cultural and historical heritage, the town of Omiš is known as the ‘city of pirates’. Throughout the 12th and 13th century, Omiš pirates, lead by the famous dukes of the Kačić family, ruled the large part of the Adriatic, from Omiš to Dubrovnik. It was at a time when most of Dalmatia was under Venetian rule. Omiš became so powerful, that in 1221, Venetians launched a crusade against them.
The ruthless and infamous Corsairs of Almissa (Omiš pirates), led by their ruler Malduk, whose fast pirate ships were built to attack and protect the town, defeated the Venetian army, led by the fleet commander Acconcio. As a result, the Venetians had to pay a fee in gold coins to the Omiš pirates for sailing through the Brač channel and other areas of the Omiš sea (known as Mare nostrum).
For this spectacle, more than a hundred armed pirates and Venetians participate each year, as well as members of the historical units of “Kumpanjija” from Blato on Korčula, “Trombunjeri” from Dubrovnik, “Uskoks” from Klis, “Poljičana” of the Sv. Jure Association, and Priko and the Pirates from Župa Dubrovačka.
This year, Omiš will celebrate over three days, from August 16 to 18.
Event Program:
8/16/2019, Toreta Plateau, 8 pm Evergreen Evening – Opening of the Old Crafts Fair – Concert by Marko Tolja and Big Band Makarska
8/17/2019, Toreta Plateau, 6:30 pm Children’s Pirate Day – Children’s Athletic Training Ground with the Sanus Vita Sports Society – Shooting from bow and arrows with the Klis Uskoks – Art Workshop with academic painter Vera Mekinić – Treasure Hunt – Fun with Sarenko – Socializing with Omiš pirates – Concert featuring Maya Šuput and band
8/18/2019, City Harbor, 7:30 pm – Toreta, Parade of Historic Military Units through the City – Pirate Battle – Concert by Milo Hrnič and band
“Don’t miss out on this unique event that attracts more than 10,000 visitors every year,” the organizers said.
The organizers of the event are the Tourist Board of the City of Omiš, while the co-organizer is KPU Omiš pirates and the sponsors are the City of Omiš, the Croatian National Tourist Board, Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, and Split-Dalmatia County.
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