A spectacular return to the pirate past of Dalmatia in Omis last night.
The 13th century battle between Omiš pirates led by prince Malduh Kačić and the Venetians led by commander Akoncije was reenacted on Tuesday night in the Omiš port, where the spectacle of the sea battle in which the Omiš pirates defeated the Venetians was watched by about ten thousand visitors, including many tourists, reports Novi List on August 19, 2015.
This was the ninth year in a row that the 13th century pirate battle was reenacted in the Omiš city port. About a hundred members of the Omiš Pirates, Dubrovnik Trombunjera, Klis Uskoci and Kumpanija Knights of Korčula groups took part in the festivities.
The organizer of the reenactment Joško Stella said that they wanted to promote tourism and encourage entrepreneurship in the wider Omiš area. For example, a pirate tavern has been opened in Omiš where the people can taste the pirate delicacies.
Stella said that the reenactment of the pirate battle involved a replica of sagitta ship. He explained that sagitta used to be the fastest ship in the Adriatic Sea. He added that next year, the tenth reenactment of the pirate battle in the city port will be even more carefully prepared in order to be as spectacular as possible.
The renactment included a large Venetian sailing ship, which was attacked by the pirates with small boats. During the attack swords were used, pistols and pirate cannons were heard, and the Omiš pirates led by Prince Malduh Kačić won against the more numerous Venetian enemies. The captured Venetian commander Akoncije saved his life with a ransom, giving a treasure chest to the people of Omiš, and has promised that in the future he will pay the passage through the Brač Channel with gold coins.
