Karneval text

History Lucky traveller, you've stumbled into the festival's 176th anniversary. In 1827 Josip Kompare decided to take the New Year's idea to heart and make some changes in his life. Along with the painted charicatures he whipped up and displayed, he wrote various cynical poems and satirical scientific proclamations and read them publicly. The event gathered steam from there, each year becoming more ornate and exciting. Before you knew it Josip's seemingly silly musings had become a ritual - one that people all over the country take part in at the beginning of February.
The bonfire: A bonfire is stoked up on the first day of the festival and gets the sin-purging for all those who participate into high-gear. Hooray!
Burning Prince Fašnik: On the last day of the ceremonies, a Prince Fašnik doll is set ablaze to signal its successful conclusion. Let's set the story straight - the precious prince is not a real person and never was, thus you shoudn't think the thrilled participants barbaric.
Sraco the judge: A local raven-like bird people look to as a kind of wisened muse and judge (like Yoda) descends upon the region and proclaims it the 'Samobor Fašnik Republic of Freedom' immediately following the Fašnik's incineration. This act seals the deal. Even if you wanted your guilt and sin back too bad - Srako has laid down the law. Warning: Srako won't appear unless all acts are completed in the appropriate manner.
Why the masks? It's a carnival silly, if you must know. Part of the process is dressing up as though you were an animal or pervert and as always, the odder the final result the better. The idea is freedom, one borne of the fact that your identity is concealed.