Pirates of Omis battle Venice on a spectacular night in Dalmatia

Croatia's varied tourism season continues as pirates take to the high seas to battle Venice in the annual re-enactment in Omis. Central Dalmatia's impressive summer of historical re-enactments continued on August 18, 2014, as the annual pirate battle in Omis packed the small coastal town, and tourists and locals were treated to an impressive - and loud - display of piracy in the harbour of Omis, an event witnessed by Digital Journal. Piracy was rife throughout the centuries on the Adriatic, no more so than in Omis, whose pirates were able to escape up the Cetina River with all its hiding points to store their loot. This important period of history is marked each year with a reenactment of battle between the Venetians and the pirates from the 13th century.

The Venetians refused to pay for safe passage so the Pirates, who were led by the fearless Malduk. They kidnapped Leonarda, the daughter of Aconcius (the Pope's representative). But Leonarda and Malduk's son Ivan fell madly in love, the battle was fought, the pirates won, the Venetians vowed to pay and true love prevailed. As previously reported on Digital Journal, the most famous pirate of them all, Johnny Depp was invited to take part in the battle in previous years.

Perhaps best known for its endless beaches, pristine Adriatic and picturesque islands, Central Dalmatia is a region rich in diverse tourism options, and its centuries of history and tradition, coupled with its remarkable heritage, are brought to life each year through various impressive spectacles.

Digital Journal recently attended the Battle of Klis re-enactment, as the Ottoman attack of 1532 was repelled at the impressive Game of Thrones filming location of Klis Fortress; the annual Sinj Alka knights' tournament is one of Croatia's most important cultural events, attended each year by notable dignitaries; and Split's 1,700-year association with the retirement home of Roman Emperor Diocletian is celebrated each August with Days of Diocletian.

Read more: digitaljournal.com