Croatian Vacation: Rio / Venice / Rijeka

Carnival in Rijeka

Carnival season in Croatia
Carnival in city of Rijeka is the third biggest carnival manifestation in the world after Rio de Janeiro and Venice. Celebration of Carnival, or how locals call it "karneval" or "maskare," has a more than 100 years old long tradition in Croatian culture. City of Rijeka, and Rijeka region overall, preserved this tradition the most. After Three Kings holiday (January 6h) Carnival season starts. Both universal carnival traditional and local traditions are practiced during this festival in Croatia.

Mayor of city or Rijeka hands-over city "key"

Hand-over of the city key

During the big carnival opening celebration, mayor of Rijeka is handing-over "the key of the city" to Master Toni, who will "rule" the city during the season of carnival (until Ash Wendensday). During this period every Saturday many carnival events are happening in Rijeka as well as in other parts of Croatia. Some of the events include: Carnival Queen pageant show, inauguration of Master Toni, diplomatic ball, car-rally Paris - Bakar, dozens of art gallery and museum exhibitions, concerts, Carnival party and so on.

Carnival ball for diplomats, ambassadors and presidents
Diplomatic ball is hosted in the ancient Governor palace where foreign diplomats, ambassadors and presidents mingle and enjoy gastronomic delicacies prepared by top chefs.

International Carnival Parade in Rijeka

Carnival Queen pageant event

Carnival season culminates with the International Carnival Parade in Rijeka. This year, more than 9000 participants danced and cheered in a day-long parade which counted more than 100 different groups. Each year this event draws more than 120.000 visitors to Rijeka's main square and seaside promenade.

Here are a number of photos from the official Rijeka Carnival website. Picture speak more than 1000 words, so please enjoy them and I hope to see in Croatia during next carnival season.

Stay tuned!