When a traveler first approaches our company for our specialization, as they are thinking of visiting Croatia, they arrive with visions comprised of Dubrovnik, the Island of Hvar, Split with Diocletian’s Palace and the adjacent islands that decorate the coast of the Croatian Adriatic. 

But there is more, so much more, for the most curious and sophisticated traveler.

When such travelers, afforded with the opportunity and curiosity to visit Croatia beyond the obvious, those who desire traveling off the “beaten path”, in search of yet to be accentuated destinations – for these travelers, the City of Rijeka comes to mind.

A coastal city, and port, Rijeka is the capital of the Croatian region of Kvarner. I was born in Rijeka when it was still called Fiume (Italian for river). It is where my heart still calls “home”.  As Croatians and Europeans know well, this moderate sized town is a vibrant destination with an intriguing history, home to an abundance of festivals including advent and Carnival.

The vibrant lifestyle has attracted artists and thinkers, musicians and poets. Rijeka has chosen for itself the motto, “Port of Diversity”, as a celebration of the confluence of heritage, culture and history that happily find their home here.

The year 2020 marks an extraordinary time to be there!

 

 

Rijeka – European Capital of Culture 2020

This year, Rijeka has been crowned with the title of the European Capital of Culture.

As such, Rijeka serves to represent and highlight Croatia to all of Europe – asserting its importance on the cultural map of Europe. The title bestowed to Rijeka will showcase the city’s cultural heritage and life to be found there. It comes at a time when Croatia is also to hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union, making it the first country in the history of the European Union to be simultaneously endowed with both honors.

Marked with nearly 1000 individual programs, Rijeka’s appointment of European Capital of Culture was inaugurated with a celebration on Saturday, February 1^st and is scheduled to conclude in late February 2021. Programming ranges from pop culture, to contemporary art installations, to theater, concerts, dance, ballet, opera, fashion shows, activities and educational engagements along with exhibitions of traditional and contemporary artworks.

The city is prepared to welcome, educate and entertain by offering an abundance of events that will respond to the interests and curiosities of World travelers.

 

 

European Commission Vice-President for Demography and Democracy Dubravka Suica said, ““The European Union is defined by the culture and values, by what we as European are and want to be.” She noted that Rijeka’s rich heritage clearly demonstrates the different cultural and historical influences, as well as the religious and ethnic communities, which have played a role in shaping the city.

 

 

Rijeka, a member of the Federation of European Carnival Cities.

For me there are more than one hundred reasons to visit Rijeka… it is the home where my heart dances and from where the water and soil are embossed in my DNA.

But, “Karneval”, the Carnival of Rijeka, is for me the most seductive and enchanting time of the year.

Carnival, an ancient pagan tradition, celebrates the diminishing darkness of winter that foretells of the advancing bright light of spring.  It is the preparation for redemption and renewal, it is a time when the troubles, problems, the evil spirits of the past winter are wiped away and we regenerate our essence with the joy that spring brings.

“It is the preparation for redemption and renewal, it is a time when the troubles, problems, the evil spirits of the past winter are wiped away and we regenerate our essence with the joy that spring brings.”

Rijeka Karneval Parade and Celebrations

During carnival the city of Rijeka entertains its citizens and visitors by offering a bacchanalian cornucopia of events, it is a period of boisterous celebrations that dresses Rijeka in brilliant colors, revived traditions, frittule, confetti, music, elaborate costumes, dancing in the street, parties, parades, laughter, food and wine. 

One of the most anticipated celebrations of the year, preparation for Carnival takes place year round with locals creating costumes and building floats well in advance of the event. A family affair, residents of all ages take place in the fun, with parents, children, grandparents, aunts and uncles all engaged in the revelry.

During the celebration of Carnival, the citizens have clearance, within the limits of the law, to disregard boundaries, release inhibitions, and play at being whoever, whatever, they wish to be, behind the protection of a mask. Releasing inhibitions in good fun, play, and freedom of enjoying life as whoever they wish to be, setting aside their individuality to embrace the collective spirit and unite with their fellow Rijekans. The carnival spirit embraces the people of the city and surrounding areas…. It is a period of merriment both day and night.

Worth noting is that Rijeka’s Carnival celebration is one of the largest and most acknowledged in Europe. It also stands proudly on the Sunday Times list of the 24 most exotic events in the world.

This year, the carnival spirit has enveloped the city and surroundings as of the 17^th of January.

However, it is the four days prior to Ash Wednesday when the main carnival activities and celebrations occur. The Mayor’s Grand Ball, by coveted invitation only, will take place at the Governor’s Palace on the evening of Saturday, February 22, 2020.  Invited guests from around the world, presidents, ministers, royalty, diplomats, actors, musicians, titans of industry, politics and culture will arrive in Rijeka, ready to hide their identity behind colorful masks – masks which will provide them the freedom to be as naughty as they dare.

The following day, the most popular event of carnival and culmination of celebrations – the International Carnival Parade – takes place as it always does on the Sunday prior to Ash Wednesday which in 2020 will be the 23^rd February.

Celebrations come to a close on Ash Wednesday, the 26^th of February, when residents can begin dreaming of their costumes for the following year.

Truly a spectacle that will never be forgotten, Rijeka Carnival is a delightful celebration to experience. If it is access to the party that our travelers desire, Tasteful Croatian Journeys can open that door.