Neretva - Maraton lađa

Since it was first organized in 1998, the Lada Boat Marathon has been maintaining the traditional use of the old wooden boats called Lada. The marathon takes place in the lower reaches of the Neretva River in Metkovic and has been navigable for small vessels since 1895. The Boat Race exclusively uses traditionally built Ladas that must meet specific criteria. The wooden boats, which were only used in earlier times by pirates, later became popular for conventional use among residents for the transportion of animals and food. These boats have a length of 7 to 8.2 meters and a width of 2.45 to 2.8 meters. The boats can carry 12 to 18 people and must be built 70 cm deep with the use of 23 wooden spokes or, more specifically, wooden poles. During the competition, a minimum of at least 12 people must be sitting in the boat: ten oarsmen, a helmsman and a drummer must be in the small, wooden boat shell in all cases. More than 18 people, however, can not be in the boat. The winner is the fastest team to cover the 22.5 km long stretch from Metkovic to Ploce.

Every year the show attracts around 50,000 visitors who follow the boats along the river by car or bicycle to the port of Ploce. The highlight of the event for many people is not to see who passes the finish line, which is generally done in around 2 hours and 15 minutes by the fastest teams, but the start. At the start, around 300 participants attempt to simultaneously set off in 30 boats which creates a very loud and entertaining spectacle on the water. The starting point is at the main bridge in the town Metkovic. In Ploce, the winners will receive their medals.

Up until a few years ago, the participants exclusively came from the areas around the Neretva River Delta. As of 2000, there has been a rise in the number of Croatian immigrants from Australia and Italian-born residents who participate. The historic boat race always takes place on the second Saturday in August, placing it right in the middle of the touristic summer season. Thus, the event also benefits the tourist industry in addition to maintaining the tradition.