Rijeka Carnival is ranked among the 500 most important events in Europe
The highlight of the carnival is an international carnival procession, which will be held this year on March 2. It features 10,000 participants from more than 100 groups. During the parade, the center of the city turns into a stage, which rules colors, music and unlimited creativity. The river masks have a long history, dating back to the 15th century when authorities tried to ban the gathering and masquerade. Their attempt failed, so the tradition of the carnival continued. She experienced a real rebirth at the end of the 20th century, when she transformed into an event that combines tradition, creativity and contemporary spirit. In 1982, three groups of Maškara gathered at Corsz: the Halubai bells, the Pehinarian Festers and the Light.
Today, the Rijeka carnival is recognizable for its luxurious costumes, spectacular allegorical vehicles and atmosphere in which local history and world influences are intertwined. The magnificent parade and numerous events have rightly ranked it among the 500 most important events in Europe, and the Sunday Times declared it one of the most exotic events in the world. In 2009, the Rijeka Tourist Community received the Golden Tourist Heart Award as the organizer of the best tourist event in Southeastern Europe, and the carnival was included in the book « 501 Must Be There Events ». In 2024 he also received the Tourist Prizma Award for New Quality in Tourism in the Events category.
The fifth season, as he is affectionately called the River, traditionally begins on 17 January, on Antonovo. Since then, until the Ash Wednesday, the city has been marked by carnival events. The opening event is the election of the Queen of Rijeka Carnival and the symbolic handing over of the key to the city in the hands of the masquerade, thereby starting their rule. The program continues with various events, including children's carnival procession, an international carnival parade, carnival parties, humanitarian campaigns, concerts and traditional bells, which are a special part of the cultural heritage of the area. One of the most spectacular aspects of the Rijeka carnival is allegorical vehicles, real artworks that have been created for months. Each carnival group is proud to present their work, in which they have put a lot of creativity and effort. Costumes, sophisticated and often inspired by historical, mythological or current topics, further enrich the visual experience of the procession.
In addition to entertainment, Rijeka Carnival also plays an important role in maintaining tradition. A special part of the program belongs to bellies coming from the river and Rijeka ring. With the ringing of the Halubai bells, which are listed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, the international carnival parade traditionally ends.
Client of advertising content is TZ Rijeka
