Between Pride and Polemic

The paper analyzes the experiences and challenges of museological interpretation of sensitive historical topics in the context of the Sinjska Alka – one of the most important traditions of Croatian cultural identity. The author, curator of the Museum of Sinjska Alka, uses his own professional experiences to examine how to balance the authenticity of historical narratives with community expectations, how to select relevant content, and how contemporary museological tools can help shape socially sensitive and scientifically based presentations. Special attention is paid to methodological approaches in examining controversial topics and the importance of including the local community in the museological discourse.