Let's start with the famous line "Maškare ča mogu maškare", which can be heard throughout the streets of Crikvenica during the carnival. Joy, masks, and fun, all rooted in tradition, will bring a smile to everyone's face. This seaside Kvarner town has been holding its carnival since 1859, and we can't resist it.

From January 7th to February 22nd, you can enjoy the carnival in Crikvenica. Festive parties, children's and adult processions, loads of creative, fun, and passionate masks, tea parties for the youngest, delicacies, and all this by the beautiful blue sea. Who could say no to this? Crikvenica has been delighting its citizens and guests with its masks for many years.

On January 7th, at 14:30, carnival representatives took over the keys to the city, and their reign begun. Your children will surely be delighted with all the fun activities, from face painting to various games. From January 21st, every Saturday, a fun musical atmosphere is guaranteed by bands like the Groovers, Koktelsi, Trend, Point, Insula, and Fortunal. The Crikvenica carnival always thinks about the children, so on January 22nd, kids can enjoy a tea party, raffle, and all sorts of fun activities by animators. Pretty great, isn't it? On January 29th, a large traditional parade of masks, adult's and children's will be held. Namely, this procession can gather over 3,000 participants, and we don't even have to talk about how many visitors will come to see the cheerful parade. At the end of the carnival, on Stjepan Radić Square, the main culprit for the past year's bad things, Mesopust, will be burned.‍‍

Masked Carnivals Throughout the History‍

This Western Christian custom takes place on the eve before the beginning of Lent. In this period, we can become whoever we want. Wearing masks, enjoying music, and dancing go back a long way. Namely, these customs are pre-Christian and have a magical tone to them. Loud noises, dancing, and laughter were believed to drive away evil spirits. The men dress in sheepskin, white pants, and sailor shirts, wear animal masks on their heads and are girded with bells, which, by ringing, scare away the evil spirits. This custom still exists today, and the scary bell ringers do their best to dispel the winter darkness. Did you know that Halubaj bell ringers are included in UNESCO's world intangible cultural heritage list?

The town of Crikvenica has a long carnival tradition dating back to 1895. Cheerful citizens of Crikvenica, but also from the surrounding Kvarner areas, the rest of Croatia, and even the world enjoyed parties, masquerade, and delicacies such as fritule and kroštule. But when the International Hotel was built in 1965, it became where the most cheerful and fun masked parties were held. We must mention Josip Antić and David Matejčić; these joyful and creative Crikvenica tailors are responsible for many phenomenal masks. The judge, the prosecutor, the defense attorney, and the narikača are keeping us entertained along with local bands and a raffle where everyone is invited to try out their luck. In 1966, the Mesopusal committee was founded, consisting of ten members, headed by the grand master. The goal of this committee is to protect customs and develop new fun activities that will be presented each year.

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Traditional Carnival Food‍

Traditional carnival food heavily depends on the region in which it's being held. In Crikvenica, you can try out the sweet specialty called presnac. This delicacy with an interesting name is made from sweet bread, milk, cinnamon, and raisins. You can also try fritula (small doughnuts seasoned with lemon and orange zest) and our favorite, kroštula. Fragrant, crumbly dessert, which is also called angel wings. There is a theory that kroštulas were made in ancient Rome, and today they are most often made in the Kvarner region during carnival times. In addition to sweet delicacies, you can try rakija such as medica (rakija with honey) and borovička. If you like gin, you must try this drink made from juniper berries.‍

You can check more about the event dates on the link, and remember to bring goodwill and, of course, a mask!

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