47th edition of the traditional ‘Prstenac’ to start in Istria
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Three-day equestrian tournament “Prstenac” to kick off on Friday in Istria (Photo: 45th Prstenac/archive)
ZAGREB, 18 Aug (Hina) – Everything is ready for the 47th edition of the traditional three-day Prstenac tournament, which will take place in the Istrian town of Barban from 19 to 21 August, the tournament’s organisers said at a news conference in Pula on Wednesday.
The head of the Prstenac society, Aldo Osip, said that the preparations for the contest were under way and 16 horsemen will take part in the races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
First mentioned in 1696 and revived by the town of Barban in 1976, the Prstenac Race is held every year on the third weekend in August. The race features horsemen dressed in Istrian folk costumes, and they must cross a 150 metre track on horseback in 12 seconds and hit the “prstenac” iron ring with a spear.
(Photo: 45th Prstenac/archive)
This tournament has become a must-see cultural event, attracting several thousand visitors each summer.
The winner of the final race is awarded with the “Shield of the President” and the tournament is held under the auspices of Croatia’s President.
(Photo: 45th Prstenac/archive)
President Zoran Milanović is expected to attend the final race on Sunday.
