Event Details
Welcome to Rijeka Carnival 2027
The Rijeka Carnival is Croatia's biggest carnival and one of the most celebrated in Europe. The 2027 season officially opens on 22 January 2027 with the Carnival Queen Pageant and the symbolic handover of the city keys to the Carnival master Meštar Toni. The grand finale is the International Carnival Parade on 7 February 2027, which draws tens of thousands of spectators to Korzo, Rijeka's famous main promenade.
Key Dates 2027
- 22 January 2027 – Carnival Queen Pageant and handover of the city keys to Meštar Toni
- 30 January 2027 – Children's Carnival Parade on Korzo
- 7 February 2027 – International Carnival Parade (main event)
Highlights
- Over 100 carnival groups and up to 10,000 participants in the International Parade
- Around 100,000 spectators lining Korzo for the main parade
- Performances by the Zvončari (bell-ringers from Kvarner villages wearing sheepskins and enormous cowbells)
- Elaborate themed floats and costumed groups from Croatia and across Europe
- Carnival Charity Ball at the Governor's Palace
- Burning of the Pust puppet in Rijeka harbour at the end of carnival
- Concerts, exhibitions and carnival parties throughout the city
Program
The Rijeka Carnival spans several weeks and follows a well-established structure. The opening ceremony features the symbolic handover of the city keys: the Mayor formally passes authority to Meštar Toni, the master of festivities, on the same day that the Carnival Queen is crowned. Throughout the following weeks, parties, balls and concerts take place across the city.
The Children's Carnival Parade on 30 January 2027 brings thousands of costumed children from kindergartens and schools throughout Croatia and neighbouring countries onto Korzo. One week later comes the centrepiece of the entire festival: the International Carnival Parade on 7 February 2027. The parade starts at the waterfront (Putnička obala), passes through the Delta zone and ends on Korzo in front of City Hall. The carnival concludes with the traditional burning of the Pust puppet in the harbour, symbolically consigning all the misfortunes of the past year to the flames.
The Zvončari – Unique UNESCO Heritage
One of the most extraordinary elements of the Rijeka Carnival is the performance of the Zvončari (bell-ringers). Men from villages in the Kvarner hinterland dress in sheepskins and carry enormous cowbells, dancing through the streets to drive away evil spirits. The thunderous sound of dozens of bells ringing simultaneously is unlike anything else in European carnival. The Zvončari tradition holds UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status and has been part of the Rijeka Carnival since 1982.
Tickets & Admission
The International Carnival Parade and the Children's Parade are free to attend. Tickets for select special events including carnival balls and indoor events are available through the official Rijeka Tourist Board ticket shop.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive on Korzo several hours before the International Parade begins to secure a good viewing spot.
- Book accommodation in Rijeka at least six months in advance; the entire city fills up for carnival.
- Rijeka is easily reached by train from Zagreb (approximately 4 hours) or by bus.
- Wearing a costume is warmly encouraged and makes the experience even more memorable.
- February weather in Rijeka can be cool and changeable; bring warm layers.
- The main parade is free; for the best views, aim for raised vantage points along the parade route.
