Rijeka Carnival

The Rijeka Carnival (Croatian: Riječki karneval) is a big, fun celebration that happens every year in Rijeka, a city in western Croatia. It takes place just before a special time of year called Lent, usually between late January and early March. The carnival began in 1982 and has grown to become the largest carnival in all of Croatia. People enjoy parades, music, and colorful costumes during this joyful event.

History

Long ago, Rijeka had lively carnival celebrations that drew people from all over Europe. The modern Rijeka Carnival began in 1982 with just three groups. Over time, it grew into a big event. In 2001, it had 144 groups, and in 2008, around 150,000 visitors came to enjoy the carnival, even though there were fewer groups that year.

Events

Every year, many fun events happen before the Rijeka Carnival starts. The mayor of Rijeka gives a special key to a person called Meštar Toni, who acts like the mayor during the carnival. On the same day, a carnival queen is chosen. The queen and Meštar Toni visit events in nearby towns.

There is also a big charity ball at the Governor’s palace in Rijeka. Important people from politics, sports, media, and even some ambassadors attend.

The weekend before the main carnival, two special events take place. One is a car rally called Rally Paris - Bakar, inspired by the famous Dakar rally. Participants drive old, decorated cars and wear masks. The other event is a children’s carnival on Rijeka’s main walkway, Korzo. Kids from kindergartens and schools in Rijeka and nearby countries join in the fun.

The main event

The main carnival march happens on the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday. It usually starts around noon. The mayor of Rijeka, the carnival Queen, and a character named Meštar Toni lead the march. The parade moves through the city, with stops where groups are introduced. The main stage is in front of the city hall, where the mayor, the queen, and Meštar Toni wait to greet each group. Spectators line the streets to watch, and on nice days, up to 100,000 people might come to see the parade. The last group to march is called the Halubajski zvončari, and when they finish, the parade ends, usually between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

After the parade, there is an event called the burning of the Pust. Pust is a puppet with a funny name, often based on a public figure, and it represents all the problems of the past year. This happens in Rijeka harbor. Before the puppet is burned, someone reads out all the "sins" of Pust. Then, a boat takes the puppet out to sea where it is burned. This burning tradition happens in many places around Rijeka on Tuesday or Wednesday after the carnival.

There are also many parties during the carnival time. Some start the day before the parade and go on after it ends. One popular party is held on Korzo, where different DJs play music.