February in Rijeka can mean only one thing – the Carnival! It is more than just an event, it is a way of life. From the Feast Day of St. Anthony (Antonja) to the burning of Pust, the city is attuned to the rhythm of the carnival-goers, dance and great fun. If you’ve never experienced the Rijeka Carnival, it’s high time you put it on your bucket list. In other words, visit Rijeka during the fifth season and have the time of your life!
From the Feast Day of St. Anthony (Antonja) to the burning of Pust – how does it all begin?
It all begins on 17 January on the Feast Day of St. Anthony (Antonja) with the raising of the carnival flag and the sentencing of Pust, an effigy that is symbolically blamed for all the adversities of the past year. This year, the keys to the city were ceremoniously presented to Sandi, the Carnival Master, while Nora Marčelja was named the new Carnival Queen. The Carnival Master and Queen traditionally participate in the carnival ceremonies and lead the parades.
Children’s Carnival Parade – the happiest day at Korzo
One of the sweetest and most playful moments of the carnival is definitely the Children’s Carnival Parade, which introduces the grand International Parade. This year, 6700 little carnival-goers paraded through Korzo on 15 February. There were elves, superheroes, fairytale characters and creative costumes. All of them showed once again that children’s imagination knows no bounds. Parents, teachers and visitors watched this merry parade with great delight, while the smiles on the children’s faces proved without a doubt that the Carnival is pure magic and that the tradition of this region will be preserved.
A programme brimming with events
The Rijeka Carnival is more than just a large parade – it is a continuous series of events! Theatre plays such as Sokin & Bosina and Hang in There, Generation! made people of all ages laugh, while sports fans could enjoy the Carnival Snowboarding Session at Platak, where snowboarders performed spectacular tricks, despite the single-digit weather. Masquerade balls and concerts are held during the carnival, while the fifth season also brings workshops, crazy parties and children’s costume balls in Rijeka’s surrounding area. Each year, the programme is enriched with brand new features such as this year’s inaugural Carnival Riviera, which provided games for carnival groups.
As in recent years, the Carnival Run will be held once again as the only event that blends the Carnival and sports at Molo Longo. The Prince and Princess of the Rijeka Carnival pageant also return this year after a hiatus. Basically, there is a plethora of interesting events in store until the end of the Carnival and the schedule is available here.
International Carnival Parade – the culmination of the Carnival
And then it is time for what everyone has been waiting for – the grand International Carnival Parade! This year, on 2 March, over a 100 groups will parade through Korzo. While most of them are from Primorje – Gorski Kotar County, there are also guests who fervently follow this event. Elaborate costumes, huge carnival floats and an amazing atmosphere will transform the city centre into a fairytale world filled with good vibes. The programme lasts until 5 March when Pust will be burned, thus symbolically ending the carefree reign of costumed carnival-goers and signalling the return to the real world – at least until next year!
Why is the Rijeka Carnival a must-see event?
Because it provides you with a unique opportunity to become someone else, surrender to merrymaking and put your worries behind. Regardless of whether you are fond of tradition, costumes or simply a good time, the Rijeka Carnival offers something for everyone.
So, put on a costume, bring your friends and family and join this one-of-a-kind festivity – see you at the 2025 Rijeka Carnival! The Fifth Season is not over yet!
