King of Iž

King of Iž is a tourist attraction and tradition in Veli Iž on the charming island of the Zadar archipelago. If you have rented an apartment, room or holiday house on Iž at the very end of July, you will have the opportunity to see what a real election for a king looks like - the King of Iž, which has been held here since the 18th century. It is likely that the kings on Iž, as well as on the other islands, have been elected since ancient times, but the oldest record comes from Iž in 1730. The custom faded at the end of the 19th century, only to be revived in the past century as a tourist attraction. Unlike the kings we imagine, the king of Iž was not particularly happy with the title because he had the obligation to treat the entire village three times a year, and we can imagine how much one village can eat and drink. Fortunately, the King of Iž will not be stuck on the beggars stick today, but the fun is still guaranteed until the morning of the election day. In the week before the election, the "Jugo-zmorac" games are organised, whereby the village is divided into two sides that compete in football, basketball, water polo, sack races, tug-of-war, etc. Guests can also participate!
(Photo: Predator)