The Rijeka Carnival, also known as the “Fifth Season,” is one of the largest and most significant carnival events in Europe and a powerful symbol of the city of Rijeka. Each year, this unique celebration brings together thousands of participants and visitors, transforming the city into a vibrant stage of freedom, creativity, and joy.
Carnival festivities traditionally begin with St. Anthony’s Day (Antonja), followed by the election of the Queen of the Rijeka Carnival, when the keys of the city are symbolically handed over to the masked revelers. The highlight of the program consists of two major parades: the Children’s Carnival Parade, which will take place on January 31, 2026, and the International Carnival Parade, scheduled for February 15, 2026. The latter fills Rijeka’s streets with an explosion of color, music, and imagination, bringing together more than 10,000 participants from over 100 groups from Croatia and abroad, while audiences arrive from all parts of the country.
The carnival’s slogan, “Be What You Want to Be,” is an invitation to freedom of expression and a celebration of turning the impossible into reality.
This year’s Rijeka Carnival also introduces a special human dimension through the personalized communication campaign People Who Make the Carnival, which places the spotlight on the individuals behind the event. The faces of the carnival this year are Dino Dolušić (Zametske maškare), Sandra Picco (Draške maškare), Dora Pilepić (Siti i pijani), and Leo Rudan (Lumber klub)—representatives of different carnival groups whose enthusiasm, dedication, and passion keep the carnival tradition alive.
The history of masking and carnival customs in Rijeka dates back to the 15th century, when authorities attempted—unsuccessfully—to ban gatherings and masquerades. The tradition was passed down through generations, experiencing a true revival in the late 20th century. From its modest beginnings in 1982, when only three masked groups gathered on Korzo, the Rijeka Carnival has grown into an internationally recognized event that seamlessly blends rich tradition with a contemporary spirit.
Today, it is renowned for its elaborate costumes, spectacular allegorical floats, and unique atmosphere, and it has been listed among the 500 most important events in Europe. The Sunday Times has named it one of the most exotic events in the world, while the Rijeka Tourist Board has received multiple awards for organizing the carnival.
In addition to the main parades, the Rijeka Carnival program includes a wide range of accompanying events—from children’s activities and carnival parties to charity initiatives, concerts, and traditional bell-ringers’ processions. A particularly important role is played by the Halubaj Bell Ringers, inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, whose powerful bells traditionally bring the International Carnival Parade to a close.
The Rijeka Carnival is more than just entertainment—it is a guardian of identity, tradition, and togetherness. It is a manifestation that connects local history with global influences and, year after year, reaffirms its status as one of the most important cultural and tourism events in the region.
Visit Rijeka during the Fifth Season, become part of this unique story, and surrender to the joy of a moment when you can truly be whatever you want to be.
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