One of the cheeriest periods of the year is upon us; the International Rijeka Carnival is starting on 19th February! For a year, masked groups have been preparing their funniest, most creative masks, vehicles, and even choreography. This is an event that brings a smile to your face, an event that you must visit at least once in your life! An abundance of happiness, euphoria, and excitement awaits you!

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It is traditionally held every year, in the winter, since 1982. The Rijeka Carnival, a cultural heritage of Croatia, is one of the largest international carnivals, and over the years, this carnival has gained an increasing number of both visitors and participants. At the very beginning of the carnival, the queen is chosen. As with any election, creativity, wit, and beauty are judged here. It is very important to choose the right person because the queen has a rather significant role; apart from participating in all public events during the carnival, she also represents this year's carnival. When the queen is chosen, the mayor of the city hands over the keys to the Carnival Master. Namely, the master of the carnival holds carnival workshops throughout the year, and he is a symbol of everything that the carnival is. His task is to promote tradition and, at the same time to encourage and create a better, more imaginative, and happier carnival every year. When the carnival master takes over the keys, the international Rijeka carnival can begin. Masked groups from all over Croatia and the rest of the world take part in this carnival.

Children's Carnival Parade

The carnival event in which children of preschool and school-age participate has been held for sixteen years. The children's parade is held a week before the big parade. Little masked groups also pass through Korzo, dancing and showing off their cheerful masks.

Bell-Ringers

Basically, everybody was scared of the bellringers when they were a child! At the very beginning of Rijeka's carnival, bell ringers walked along the Korzo and started this long tradition. Halubaj bell ringers can undoubtedly be called the most outstanding carnival tradition. Apart from the fact that they look terrifying in their animal masks, with the noise made by their big bells on their backs, they drive away evil spirits and herald the arrival of warmer weather. This belief originates from the Old Slavic tradition. They wear terrifying animal-looking masks on their heads, with big horns, they are covered with goatskin, and they carry axes in their hands. They almost always have a leader who leads the procession. But the Halubaj bell ringers are not the only ones, and today there are several groups of bellringers that have been participating in carnivals for many years. 

Traditional Carnival Food

Along with the tradition of masking, it is very important to mention the local food. After creating the masks, dancing, and singing a lot, it is vital to fill the bellies, not only to get energy for additional dancing, but also to sweeten up and celebrate the carnival. The most prepared main dishes are ribs with sauerkraut, various Kvarner maneštras, and turnips with sausages. However, desserts are the first thing that comes to everyone's mind when they think about Rijeka's carnival. Donuts filled with apricot marmalade, fritulas and kroštulas. Sweets that absolutely no one can resist. Along with all this, tea is served for the youngest, and mead and juniper brandy for adults.

Pust – A Culprit for Everything Bad in the Last Year

A figure made of straw and old clothes is called Pust. Namely, he is the guilty party, the defendant who is condemned for all the bad things that happened in the previous year. The trial itself takes place at the very end of the carnival. Pust has an actual trial with the executioner, the judge, the defender, and the prosecutor. And after the trial, he is hanged, burned, or drowned.

Did you Know?

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• In 2009, the Rijeka Carnival was included in the list of 500 most important events in Europe.
• Sunday times included the Rijeka Carnival in the 24 most exotic events in the world in 2007
• The Rijeka Carnival won the prestigious Golden Tourist Heart Award as the best event in Southeast Europe.