to these same inhabitants who bought it, each paying proportionally to the size of their plot, in total 5,025 bavarian thalers. On 19 March 1852 ownership of the island by inhabitants was registered. It became the island's main holiday, day of St. Joseph. In the 18th century Silba had a fleet 38 sailing boats with three masts called Manzere of 220 Mt and 60 sailing boats two masts called Kastrere of 63 Mt. The fleet was destroyed by the French at the beginning of the 19th century. The economic benefits to the island from sailing boats led to general well-being on the island. Old local saying says: "Silba zlatom siva, i u njoj se raj uživa", that is: "Silba shines with gold, on it heavenly enjoyment". In the olden days there was a custom of "village king" elections. The king would get elected on St. Stephen's Day (26 December) and his rule would last until Three Kings (6 January). During his twelve-day rule, he would preside, with crown on his head, surrounded by twelve councillors, over village gatherings and dealt justice. His task was to name the village head, head and members of village guards; close the previous years budget and plan the next years. He would give verdict on complaints and disputes that have accumulated during the year. This custom died out in the first quarter of the 19th century. The king's crown still exists in the treasury of the parish church. In 1943 Silba was the scene of a naval action during the Adriatic Campaign of World War II. References External links Silba Tourist Office Silba Tourist Office - old site Silba Online Silba - information & photos (in Croatian, English, German, Italian, French and Spanish) Islands of Croatia Islands of the Adriatic Sea Landforms of Zadar County