The southern coastal town of Omis will host on Saturday a re-enactment of the historical 13th century battle fought between Omis-based pirates and the Venetians. The battle will take place at the city harbour, and the spectacle is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

Event organisers said that the re-enactment is the single most visited tourist attraction in Dalmatia, attended by more than 10,000 spectators every year, and serves to highlight an episode from the town’s history.

The re-enactment portrays a naval battle fought between the Omis duke of Malduk in the 13th century beat the Venetian fleet. After their victory, Venetian merchant ships were ordered to always pay tribute when travelling through the Brac Channel, a body of water between the Dalmatian mainland and the island of Brac.

This year, which is the 12th edition of the event, the re-enactment will include two sailing ships, several smaller ships, and about a hundred armed extras as well as members of historic re-enactment societies from Korcula, Dubrovnik, Klis, and other Dalmatian towns.

Before the battle on Saturday, a Little Pirates’ Day will be held on Friday, with pirate-themed children programmes, games and sports.

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