Though the mention of “Carnival” may conjure images of Rio rather than Rijeka, the Rijeka Carnival, Croatia’s largest, attracts thousands of visitors every year with its own brand of glitz and spectacle. From mid-January to early February, Rijekabursts to life as locals and visitors alike don costumes and release their inhibitions at masked balls and glitzy parades.
2009 marks the 26th year that the Carnival has been held in Rijeka, but today’s celebration is in fact a modern incarnation of a Carnival tradition that began in the Middle Ages. Like other Carnivals held around the world, the Rijeka Carnival has Christian origins. Culminating on the day before Lent, Shrove Tuesday (Mardis Gras or Fat Tuesday to American), the exuberant revelry serves as one last joyride before 40 days of self-restraint leading up to Easter.
Though there’s rarely a dull moment during the weeks of festivities, the International Parade along Korzo is the Carnival’s crowning event. Replete with elaborately-crafted floats and some 10,000 extravagantly-costumed revelers, the parade epitomizes the chaotic excitement of this port city’s unforgettable party.
The City of Rijeka Tourist Association organizes the carnival and may be contacted at 31 57 10 or www.ri-karneval.com.hr.