Rijeka Carnival 2018: 17 January – 14 February

Rijeka Carnival (Photo: Rijeka Carnival)

One of the most colourful and cheerful periods of the year on the northern Adriatic coast is almost here as the Rijeka Carnival is just days away from starting.

The traditional Rijeka Carnival period will be held this year from 17 January until 14 February 2018.

Rijeka Carnival set to start (Photo: Valter Stojšić – St. Valter/Rijeka Carnival)

Masked madness month (Image: Instagram/Hadoka.hr)

The opening event, as always, will be the Rijeka Carnival Queen Pageant and Handover of the City Key.

What follows will be four weeks of masked madness, parties, concerts, balls, and fun for all ages culminating with the Children’s Carnival Parade and the Grand Finale – International Carnival Parade on 11 February.

Rijeka Carnival is the biggest in Croatia (Photo credit: Rijeka Tourist Board)

The International Carnival parade draws people from all around Europe and has been a February tradition in the city since 1982, with more than 150,000 visitors last year.

Other key events during the carnival period include.

17 January – Antonja – the raising of the Pust
19 January – Rijeka Carnival Queen Pageant and Handover of the City Key and Masquerade ball at Pašac
20 January – Carnival Party – Jole
21 January – Rijeka Carnival Prince & Princess Pageant
23 January – Children’s Play
26 January – Hansel and Gretel, ballet at Croatian National Theatre
27 January – Carnival Party – Jelena Rozga & Children’s Carnival
28 January – Children’s masquerade ball at Pašac
11 February – International Carnival Parade

Fun for young and old (Photo: Rijeka Carnival)

For more details about what is going on and where check out the official Rijeka Carnival website.