Throughout history, the traditional Neretva boat, known as the lađa, has played a crucial role in both the economy and transport for the people of the region. It has been the main means of transportation for centuries. In celebration of the lađa, an amateur race of these boats is organized every year. The participants race down the Neretva River, starting from the town bridge in Metković all the way to the finishing line in Ploče, some twenty two and a half kilometres further down the river. There are several teams and some three hundred rowers participating in the race. The rowers give it their best, but winning the race, prestigious as it may be, is not the most important thing. The most important thing is to be courageous and willing to uphold the tradition, to remember the lives and efforts of our ancestors.

Contact: www.metkovic.hr
            www.maraton-ladja.hr

Source: www.croatia.hr