Running of the donkeys

When we arrived at Tribunj on July 31st, we anchored in a semi-protected bay next to the breakwater with only a couple of other sailboats (N43°45.025' E015°45.055').

Tribunj is located on the mainland of Croatia, but it also has an Old Town located on a tiny island connected to the mainland with a short stone bridge. Mainly old residences are crowded onto the island but along the water's edge were the usual side bars and eateries,

Tiny island with bridge

There is a narrow, uninhabited island adjacent to the Old Town that is a reserve for a venerated donkey population.

Donkey statue at mainland Tribunj

When we went ashore, we learned of a fun annual event that was to take place over the next 2 nights. Donkey races. This affair has been going on since 1967 and the main participants that aren't always too cooperative or predictable make it a silly fun event to the delight of all, including the losers.

The race start and finish line was set at the waterfront in the town square that was transformed with band stand, big screen and, of course, all sorts of vendors offering all types of snacks and trinkets. A popular toy was a wacky dancing donkey that grooved to the live band.

Do you wanna dance!

We arrived early to get a good viewing spot and watched as the swarms started to arrive for the 8pm event. Originally it was men jockeys only but now women are included. Women raced on the first night and the men on the next night.

Let the games begin

Pre-parade

Donkeys have a mind of their own and it was evident. Some refused to move. Some jockeyed their riders off their backs. Some escaped and ran till caught. The most hilarious was when a couple of men were trying to push a donkey off the center of the raceway and the donkey pushed back even harder, no way was he moving.

And they're off...

...and he's off too!

In the end, it mattered little who actually won.