SAN MARINO – It was Ivica Macoliccrossbowman from the City of Rab, the great protagonist of the 2026 edition of the Palio “United in Friendship”played on Saturday 12 September in the evocative setting of the Cava dei Balestrieri of San Marino.
With a very precise shot, Macolić conquered the center of the scene and the coveted trophy, imposing himself in the traditional challenge that every year confronts the crossbowmen of the San Marino Crossbowmen Federation and those of theRab Crossbowmen Association – Rab.
A particularly significant victory for the shooter from Arba, who once again confirms himself among the protagonists of this historic competition. Macolić had in fact already won the Palio in San Marino in 2024 and, with the success of 2026, he returns to enter his name in the event’s roll of honor, bringing the trophy back to the island of Rab.
Behind him they ranked Mirco Battazzasecond, and Nikola Barčićthird.
But it was above all the proof of Ivica Macolic to characterize the 2026 edition: a performance that rewarded experience, concentration and precision and which gave the Rab delegation a victory with strong symbolic value.
The day had started in the afternoon with the Historical procession through the districts of the Historic Centerfollowed by the entrance into the Cava dei Balestrieri, from the traditional Court Dance and the performances of the groups Flag-wavers and Musicians of the San Marino Crossbowmen Federation, before leaving room for the eagerly awaited challenge with the crossbow.
The Palio “United in Friendship” represents much more than a simple competition. It is one of the symbolic events of the historic relationship that unites San Marino and the City of Rabrealities linked by a twinning that dates back to 1968 and by a deep friendship nurtured over the years through institutional meetings, cultural exchanges and joint events.
A bond further strengthened in 1995when the group of Rab Crossbowmen was born thanks also to the collaboration and experience of the San Marino crossbowmen, who contributed to the training of Croatian shooters and the diffusion of the tradition of the large crossbow.
Since then the Palio has taken on a particular meaning: that of a challenge between two schools now deeply linked, capable of renewing each time a friendship that goes far beyond sporting results.
The victory of Ivica Macolic He then delivers the 2026 Palio to Arbe and writes a new chapter in this long common history, confirming once again how the crossbow tradition has become one of the most authentic symbols of friendship between the two communities.
There San Marino Crossbowmen Federation thanks the Rab delegation, the Federates involved in the organisation, the institutions and the public who followed the event, contributing to the success of an event that continues to unite San Marino and Rab in the name of history and tradition.
San Marino Crossbowmen Federation
