Rijeka Carnival – Be Who You Want to Be: Experience an Incredible Tradition

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Why visit Rijeka?

Among many reasons, the Rijeka Carnival is undoubtedly one of the most exciting! Every year, the so-called “fifth season,” as the reign of masks is known in Rijeka, attracts more and more visitors. The carnival is an opportunity to forget everyday roles and become whoever you’ve always wanted to be. This spectacle, blending history, mythology, modernity, and entertainment, is an essential part of Rijeka’s identity.

The beginning of the Rijeka Carnival: Tradition and charm

The carnival begins with the selection of the Queen, marking the official start of the masked festivities. In this unique event, the masked participants choose the most charming representative, who becomes the symbol of all carnival events. After that, the Mayor of Rijeka hands over the city’s keys to the Carnival Master, officially ushering in a season of fun and mischief.

The carnival kicks off on January 6th, on Epiphany – a time when, in the past, a new year began – and lasts until the day before Ash Wednesday. This period is filled with traditional events, masked parades, and endless joy. The end of the carnival is traditionally marked by the burning of the pust – a symbolic straw figure that “takes the blame” for all the bad things that happened in the past year.

The International Carnival Parade: A unique spectacle

The International Carnival Parade has been held for 38 years and stands as the pinnacle of carnival events in Kvarner and beyond. With elaborate floats, stunning masks, and the humor of carnival-goers, it attracts thousands of spectators from Croatia and abroad. It is a true parade of creativity and imagination, showcasing current social events, traditions, and myths. Nowhere else can you witness such a unique blend of themes.

For the youngest visitors, there’s also the Children’s Carnival Parade, which grows bigger each year, with thousands of costumed little ones creating new carnival legends.

The history of the Rijeka Carnival: A tradition that endures

The first recorded mention of masked celebrations in Rijeka dates back to 1449, when the city issued a decree banning the covering of faces with masks. However, despite attempts to prevent the free criticism of authorities, the Rijeka Carnival survived every challenge and became an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage.

A particularly significant year for the Rijeka Carnival was 1982, when three carnival groups marched down Korzo for the first time. That moment marked the beginning of the modern carnival as we know it today – one of the most important in Croatia, standing proudly alongside renowned carnivals such as those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro.

Why visit the Rijeka Carnival?

A carnival is something that words can hardly describe – it’s an experience that must be lived! Photos and TV broadcasts can only offer a glimpse of the electric atmosphere created by masked revelers, music, dance, and laughter. The Rijeka Carnival will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

We invite you to experience Rijeka, which was the European Capital of Culture in 2020. Visit the city, immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage, and be whoever you want to be at the Rijeka Carnival – all you need to do is choose your mask! 🎭