Rijeka Carnival 2027 – Riječki karneval in Rijeka, Croatia

Welcome to the Rijeka Carnival 2027 in Rijeka

Rijeka Carnival 2027 – known locally as Riječki karneval – runs from 17 January to 10 February 2027 in Rijeka on Croatia’s Kvarner coast. Locals call this period the “fifth season”: weeks of masks, satire and street celebration that peak with the International Carnival Parade on 7 February on the Korzo. Organised by the Rijeka Tourist Board (Turistička zajednica grada Rijeke), it is one of Croatia’s major carnival events and a member of the Federation of European Carnival Cities.

Highlights & Attractions at Rijeka Carnival in Rijeka

• Official season from 17 January to 10 February 2027 – traditionally from St Anthony’s Day until just before Ash Wednesday.
• Rijeka Carnival Queen Pageant on 22 January 2027 at Dvorana Mladosti (Youth Sports Hall).
• Children’s Carnival Parade on 30 January 2027 on the Korzo – thousands of costumed children from schools and kindergartens.
• 44th International Carnival Parade on 7 February 2027 on the Korzo: over 100 groups, thousands of masqueraders and allegorical floats from Rijeka, the region and abroad.
• UNESCO-listed Halubje Bell Ringers (zvončari) and other traditional mask groups from the hinterland.
• Street parties, masked balls, exhibitions and side programmes in neighbourhoods such as Pašac, Zamet and Pehlin.
• Closing ritual with the burning of the Pust – the straw figure that symbolically carries the past year’s ills.

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

The season traditionally opens around 17 January with the symbolic handover of the city keys to the carnival master (Meštar Toni). On 22 January 2027 comes the Queen Pageant at Dvorana Mladosti. The Children’s Carnival Parade on 30 January 2027 starts around 12:00 on the Korzo and nearby streets. The climax is the International Carnival Parade on Sunday, 7 February 2027, typically from 12:00: the route runs from the waterfront (Putnička obala / Riva) through the Delta area and along the Korzo in front of City Hall. Open-air parties often follow, and the evening may end with the burning of the Pust.

Alongside the main parades there are masked balls, concerts, sport events (e.g. Carnival Snowboard Session on Platak in previous years) and the “Riječki karnevalski kantun” programme in city districts. The full day-by-day 2027 schedule is published closer to the event on the Tourist Board site. Street parades are free for spectators; some indoor events (such as the Queen Pageant) may charge – in 2026 the Queen Pageant was about 5–7.50 euro.

Tickets & Admission for Rijeka Carnival Rijeka

The major street parades (Children’s and International) and most public outdoor events are free and require no ticket. Selected evening parties, balls or the Queen Pageant may charge admission; 2027 prices and advance sales will be announced by the Rijeka Tourist Board. In the previous season the Queen Pageant was cheaper in advance than on the day. Check the organiser’s official page for the latest programme. For the street parades, arrive early: the Korzo and Riva fill quickly.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Rijeka

• Getting there: Rijeka is reachable by bus, train and ferry; Rijeka Airport (RJK) on the island of Krk is about 30–40 minutes away; Zagreb and Trieste are further options. On International Parade day (7 February) the centre and waterfront are partly closed to cars – use public transport and park-and-ride.
• Weather and clothing: Mid-January to early February in Rijeka often means 5–12 °C, with rain and the cold bora wind possible. Pack warm layers, sturdy shoes and a rain jacket; plan for hours of standing along the parade route.
• Where to stay: Hotels and apartments near the centre and Korzo book up early on parade weekends. Reserve in advance, ideally within walking distance of the Korzo or with good bus links.
• On the Korzo: Secure a good viewing spot early, bring water and snacks, and have cash or card ready for street food. The parade lasts several hours – comfort and patience pay off.
• Experience the tradition: Look out for the zvončari in sheepskins and bells, and for satirical mask groups commenting on current affairs. The carnival motto is “Krepat, ma ne molat!” – better to die than to give up. For official updates use only visitrijeka.hr.