Rab/island of Rab The Rab crossbowmen

From numerous historical events, the inhabitants of Rab have reintroduced the old knights’ tournaments, which were established in Rab as far back as 1364. Since their reintroduction in 1995, the tournaments have become the central cultural event of this island.

The knights’ tournament is preceded by a medieval ceremony, announced the day before by a herald by means of a proclamation accompanied by drums. The ceremony starts in the crowded town with the arrival of the Prince and his escort at the town loggia, where they are welcomed by archers, musicians and ensigns. Accompanied by the beating of drums, the sound of fanfares and the ringing of bells, the participants pass through the streets of the town towards the Cathedral, to receive a blessing. On St. Christopher’s Square, before the town gates, the Games are solemnly opened by the Prince. The town’s flag is raised, accompanied by the sound of fanfares, and upon the signal of the “honourable judge”, the knights start their tournament. In a predetermined order, twelve knights draw their crossbows, firing their bolts at the target. The winner is the competitor whose bolt hits the point nearest the centre of the target. The Prince of Rab proclaims the winner of the Games and hands the Felix award to him. The Rab knights’ tournament concludes with a programme of musicians and ensigns and a solemn march-past of all the participants in Renaissance costume.

The antique crossbow, nowadays used only by the balestrieri of San Marino in their games, is a peculiarity of the Rab knights’ tournament. In the Middle Ages, it was used by the people of Rab to defend their town from attackers. The tournament was introduced in honour of this defence and of their patron, St. Christopher. The tournament used to be held twice a year: on 9 May (Dies Victoriae) and on 27 July (Dies Natalis). These were big celebrations which lasted for seven full days. The re-established games are also held on 30 May and 27 July, while a solemn march-past in the town is also organised on Assumption day. On these occasions, Rab offers its visitors a whole series of programmes worth seeing.

Source: http://www.tzg-rab.hr/

WHERE TO MOOR IN RAB