Rijeka Carnival Queen Pageant and the Handover of the Key to the City

The candidates, accompanied by their carnival groups, compete for the title of Queen of the region’s most famous carnival with their charm, creativity, and energy. The audience can expect an evening filled with entertaining performances, fantastic music, and the infectious carnival spirit that only Rijeka can offer!

The Queen of the Rijeka Carnival Pageant is traditionally the opening event of the Rijeka Carnival, when the masked groups select the most charming female representative who will take part in all public appearances throughout the carnival. Each year, this event poses a challenge for many carnival groups who nominate their candidates for the “Golden Cloak” and the prestigious title of Carnival Queen. In addition to knowing carnival traditions, the girls must demonstrate charm and wit, dancing and musical talent — beauty, in this case, is not an advantage…

Alongside the Queen’s selection, awards are traditionally given for the best stage performances by the carnival groups accompanying each candidate. After the crowning of the new Queen of the Rijeka Carnival, thousands of costumed participants eagerly await the symbolic handover of the “city keys.”
The Mayor of Rijeka hands over the keys to the Master of the Carnival, and the time of revelry officially begins. From that moment on, the masks take over the city, and all worries are left behind…
These are masks that do not hide — but reveal — the joy of life, of song, and of love.