Jousting tournament "Trka Na Prstenac" taking place in Istrian town of Barban

A traditional three-day jousting tournament, "Trka Na Prstenac," starts in the Istrian town of Barban on Friday evening and the final race is set for Sunday.

The first competition of this kind was held in 1696 and this tradition was renewed in 1976, based on historical records.

This tournament is similar to the Alka tournament in the Dalmatian town of Sinj. Male riders compete in their skills in riding and targeting a small ring, "Prstenac". Lancers on horseback, in full gallop, holding a spear, target the centre of the iron ring hanging on a rope across a 150-metre-long racecourse.

The renewed tournament has positively impacted horse-breeding in Barban.

Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli and other officials are expected to visit the town, 30 kilometres northeast of Pula, on Sunday to attend the final day of this year's tournament.

Text: Hina

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