PHOTOS: Famous Rijeka Carnival closes with 11,000-strong international parade

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

By Paulina Mlinarić

The 43rd edition of the Rijeka Carnival has drawn to a close with a spectacular International Carnival Parade, bringing nearly a month of celebrations in Croatia’s largest coastal city to an unforgettable finale.

For weeks, the streets of Rijeka were filled with masks, music and vibrant festivities. The closing parade, the central event of the Carnival, saw around one hundred carnival groups and more than 11,000 participants take over the city centre and surrounding streets, once again underlining the event’s importance both nationally and across Europe.

Strong International Presence

This year’s parade featured groups from across Croatia, including Zagreb, Pula, Kaštel Kambelovac, Vrbovsko and Biograd na Moru.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

The international dimension was further highlighted by visiting carnival groups from Italy, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Hungary and North Macedonia.

Particular attention was drawn to the Kampus carnival group, the largest single group in the parade, with an impressive 793 participants.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

The scale and diversity of participation confirmed the Rijeka Carnival’s standing as one of the most significant and recognisable carnival events in this part of Europe.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

A Key Part of the City’s Identity

Mayor Iva Rinčić described the Carnival as inseparable from the identity of the city.

“For 43 years, the Rijeka Carnival has been an integral part of our city. It is our ‘fifth season’, a blend of tradition and modernity, local spirit and international character,” she said.

She thanked participants, volunteers, carnival associations, the Rijeka Tourist Board, city services, partners and sponsors for helping deliver another successful edition of the event. She emphasised that the Carnival promotes freedom of expression, togetherness and the joy of living.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Rich and Varied Final Weekend Programme

The final weekend offered a wide range of cultural, musical and humanitarian events.

On Friday, the programme included the Čiket retro party at Buffet Iskra, a concert by Croatian band Silente at Exportdrvo, and the traditional Maškarani tanci va Pašcu at the Pašac Community Centre.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Saturday focused on humanitarian initiatives. A carnival-style maneštra in Bazarigov prolaz raised funds for the Animal Shelter – Society for the Protection of Animals Rijeka, while a “maškarana jota” was prepared in Trg Republike Hrvatske by the Association of Craftsmen of Rijeka in support of the charity Udruga Jako srce.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

In the evening, one of the Carnival’s most recognisable events took place,  the Humanitarian Carnival Gala Party. Funds raised at this year’s gala, organised by Rotary Club Rijeka, Sv. Vid, were entirely dedicated to SOS Rijeka – Centre for Non-Violence and Human Rights.

A Major Tourism Asset

Year after year, the Rijeka Carnival attracts a growing number of visitors who plan their trips in advance to experience its unique atmosphere.

Alongside the International Parade, additional highlights included the Masquerade Open Air event at Kont and evening programmes at Exportdrvo, such as Taking the Trash Out – KPP, culminating in a concert by Koktelsi.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Petar Škarpa, Director of the Rijeka Tourist Board, stressed that the Carnival delivers not only entertainment but also powerful messages through satire and allegory.

“The Carnival brings laughter and fun, but also strong messages. It is not just a mask, it is a reflection of the times in which we live,” he said, announcing the premiere of a film about the Rijeka Carnival produced by the Tourist Board, to be broadcast on Hrvatska radiotelevizija’s HTV 3 channel on 16 February.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Bonavia Enters a New Chapter

During the Carnival, many groups chose to stay at the historic Grand Hotel Bonavia, a well-known landmark on Rijeka’s Korzo. Founded in 1876, the hotel is set to begin a new chapter as it transforms into AC by Marriott Rijeka, with an opening planned for autumn 2026.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Within the hotel, the à la carte restaurant Kamov, dedicated to writer Janko Polić Kamov, impressed guests during the Carnival. Chef Ante Štorić presented contemporary interpretations of Kvarner cuisine, further strengthening Rijeka’s gastronomic appeal.

With Rijeka holding the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026, gastronomy is expected to play an increasingly important role in attracting visitors to the Kvarner region.