President Milanović in Barban: What You’re Doing Is Preserving Culture
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović attended the 46th “Prstenac Race” tournament (The Ring Race) in Barban, and, in his official opening address, said that he considers this a serious event. “I am fond of it and always ask myself what happened here in 1696, first mention of this race. Those are the years when our ancestors gathered in Sinj to fight another battle. Here it is much more peaceful, relaxed, more beautiful and may it remain so”, President Milanović stated.
“Here there is no foreboding of a battle, just fun, a good time and a successful tourist season. What you’re doing is preserving culture. That’s easier said than done. Every community, every society, every culture including this Istrian one, as well as the Croatian, national one, rest on a silent pact, an unwritten agreement between those who are dead, those of us living and those who haven’t been born yet”, President Milanović stated.
He told them to preserve and nurture their heritage, but first of all to have a good time. “Have a sharp eye, be successful, be careful when riding a horse. Whoever may think that this is easy, is making a big mistake. This is very difficult and there are hours of practice behind it”, President Milanović said proclaiming the 46th “Prstenac Race” officially open.
Besides President Milanović in Barban were the former President of the Republic Stjepan Mesić, Member of the Croatian Parliament and envoy of the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Anton Kliman, Minister of Tourism and Sports and envoy of the Prime Minister Nikolina Brnjac, Istrian County Prefect Boris Miletić and Head of the Municipality of Barban and President of the “Trka na prstenac” Society Dalibor Paus.
The “Prstenac Race” tournament (The Ring Race) is an equestrian event prescribing that the male riders 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 under 12 seconds. The competitor who scores the most points is the winner. The President of the Republic presented this year’s winner Luka Kancelar with the main prize: a transition shield and a replica of a dagger with an inscription.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Ana Marija Katić