Zagreb - Sabor Speaker Gordan Jandroković on Tuesday met representatives of the society promoting the traditional equestrian tournament "Trka na prstenac", who briefed him on preparations for the 51st edition of the event in Barban, due to take place on the penultimate weekend of August.
The delegation outlined preparations for the event, including riders' training, rehearsals for the ceremonial parade and the accompanying programme.
Jandroković said the event had for decades successfully combined the preservation of cultural heritage with the promotion of local identity, while enhancing the tourism offer of the Barban area, Istria and Croatia as a whole.
He thanked the society's members for their longstanding commitment, saying their enthusiasm and sustained efforts had secured the Ring Race ("Trka na prstenac"), an important place among Croatia's traditional cultural events. He also praised the society for engaging younger generations and encouraging continued interest in the event.
The programme will begin on Friday, 21 August, with the ceremonial raising of the society's flag in Barban's main square.
The "Trka za viticu" qualifying race will be held on 22 August, ahead of the main competition on Sunday, 23 August, at Barban's Gradišće.
Led by society president Aldo Osip, the delegation recalled that the Ring Race was first mentioned in 1696 and was revived in 1976. Since 2016, it has been listed in Croatia's Register of Cultural Goods as protected intangible cultural heritage.
The society's representatives invited Jandroković to attend this year's event, and he accepted.
This event was revived after nearly three centuries of obscurity, and since then has continuously brought together the best horsemen of Istria and thousands of visitors from across Croatia and abroad.
"Trka na prstenac" is a traditional equestrian tournament in which riders gallop along a 150-metre track three times, aiming to spear a small iron ring, known as the prstenac. It is held annually on the penultimate weekend of August.