Rijeka Carnival

Month : NA
Place : Croatia
Famous For : Carnival Festival
Attractions : Rally Paris, Bakar, Participants wearing Masks, Old Modified Cars.

The Rijeka Carnival is held each year before the Lent in Rijeka, Croatia. It is one of the biggest carnivals both in Croatia and in the world. In 2008 it celebrated its 25th anniversary. The rebirth of the Rijeka Carnival started in 1982. It had only three performer groups in its parade named "Lako cemo", "Pehinarski fe"tari" and "Halubajski zvoncari". All three groups have participated in the carnival each time since the beginning.

Major Attractions

Every year there are numerous events preceding the carnival itself. First the mayor of Rijeka gives the symbolic key of the city to Mestar Toni, who is "the maestro" of the carnival, and he becomes the mayor of the city during the carnival. Same day, there is an election of the carnival queen. Also, every year the Carnival ball is held in the Governor's palace in Rijeka. It is attended by politicians, people from sport and media life, as well as number of ambassadors and consuls accredited in Republic of Croatia. Before the main event there are two other events held - Rally Paris & Bakar. All of the participants of the rally wear masks, and the cars are mostly modified old cars. As on any event in carnival time it is not about wining, it is all about having great time. The other event is children carnival, held, like the main one, on Rijeka main walkway Korzo. The groups that participate in this event are mostly form kindergartens and elementary schools all around Rijeka and its suburbs, although there were some visiting groups from other parts of Croatia and neighboring countries.