29th Children’s Carnival Parade in Rijeka: the Korzo became a promenade of children’s creativity and imagination for a day
On Saturday, 31 January 2026, Rijeka once again showed why the Rijeka Carnival is not experienced only as an event, but as a city rhythm that, in the “fifth season”, takes over the streets, squares and mood. Its sweetest part – the 29th Children’s Carnival Parade – filled the Korzo with children’s joy, imagination and seriously prepared performances, turning the city centre into an open-air stage for several hours. For many families and visitors, it is also one of the most attractive reasons for a winter trip to the city, and everyone planning a weekend or a multi-day stay can check in advance
accommodation offers in Rijeka during the carnival.
Record turnout and 71 groups: Rijeka under the sign of children, masks and choreography
According to data from the City of Rijeka, almost
6,700 costumed children took part in the parade, arranged into
71 masquerade groups, giving the Korzo the impression of a “river of colours” that does not break even when the parade stretches far beyond the usual vistas of the promenade. A large number of participants in practice also means major logistics: from gathering the groups, coordinating movement and the rhythm of performances, to ensuring children’s safety and the smooth flow of the route. At the same time, the figures are an important indicator of potential – because the children’s parade is not only a local custom, but also an event that attracts audiences, media and guests from a wider area, and thus the need for additional planning of stay and activities in the city, including
accommodation near the Korzo and the centre of events.
From “eco-aliens” to pirates from Kantrida: carnival imagination without limits
A walk along the Korzo during the children’s parade, as a rule, most quickly shows how much time and energy parents, educators and teachers have invested in preparing the performances. In Rijeka, that effort is visible year after year, and this Saturday it was especially highlighted by the diversity and originality of the masks – from wizards and “LEGO guys”, through “eco-aliens” and space explorers, to rock stars and pirates from Kantrida. Such a range of themes, characters and ideas also shows that the carnival is not only a tradition, but also a space in which children, through play and costume, convey messages about ecology, pop culture, togetherness and local identity. For visitors coming with children, it is also a practical sign that Rijeka builds its carnival offer as family content – so it is not unusual that, at the same time, people also look for
accommodation for visitors who want to stay in Rijeka for several days, in order to follow other programmes of the carnival period as well.
The parade route and the city’s rhythm: start at noon, five stages along the way
The parade started at
12 o’clock and moved along the route: Riva Street – Square of the 111th Brigade of the Croatian Army – Adamićeva Street – Square of the Republic of Croatia – Korzo – Scarpina Street – Jelačić Square – Ribarska Street – Hinko Bačić Street – Grobnička Riva (to Exportdrvo). This very route, which cuts across the city centre and leads towards the finish on the Delta, also shapes the dynamics of the audience: some visitors follow the parade all the way, some wait for performances on the stages, and some “anchor” themselves on the Korzo as the main meeting place. According to the official instructions of the organisers,
five stages were set up along the route – at the Square of the Republic of Croatia, on the Korzo, in Scarpina Street, on Jelačić Square and in Exportdrvo – which further emphasises the production character of the event and the demanding coordination of performances.
Who led the column: city and carnival leadership at the head of the parade
At the head of the masquerade column were the mayor of Rijeka
Iva Rinčić, the director of the Rijeka City Tourist Board
Petar Škarpa,
Meštar Sandi,
Queen of the Rijeka Carnival Pia and
the Prince and Princess –
David and Nora – accompanied by Morčići, Rijeka symbols and employees of the Tourist Board. Such an arrangement is not merely a protocol gesture: the presence of the city administration and the organisers at the head of the parade sends the message that this is an event treated as part of the city’s identity, but also as a manifestation with tourist and social value. In practice, this means greater visibility in the public space, stronger media coverage and a clearer framework of responsibility in the organisation, from safety to traffic regulation.
Pre-start programme and a broadcast for those who could not come
Before the parade, an appropriate entertainment programme was held that further “warmed up” the atmosphere in the city centre, and the organisers also provided the possibility of following the event remotely. For everyone who could not be on the Korzo, according to the City of Rijeka, a
live broadcast was provided via the official website of the Rijeka City Tourist Board, making the parade accessible to a wider audience outside the city as well. This is a detail that is increasingly proving crucial in contemporary events: it expands the reach of the event, increases interest and builds the habit of following the programme, which later affects the number of arrivals. In such circumstances, especially when carnival Saturdays and Sundays are combined with other programmes, it is logical that some guests plan a multi-day visit and check
accommodation in Rijeka during carnival event dates.
Symbolic finale: little bell-ringers as a link to tradition
The parade was, symbolically and in a traditional tone, concluded by little bell-ringers:
Zamet bell-ringers,
Grobnik dondolaši and
Halubje bell-ringers. This ending has a clear message – the carnival in Rijeka and the surrounding area is more than costumes and fun; it is a living tradition that is passed on through sound, customs and local groups. The bell-ringers’ tradition in the carnival context is a reminder that in the same parade, children’s play, modern creativity and a heritage that the community preserves as part of the identity of Kvarner and the Rijeka ring meet.
Numbers behind the scenes: the official order of groups and the largest carnival group
In the official order of groups published for the 29th Children’s Carnival Parade, details were listed about the names of the groups, masks and the number of participants, and at the end of the document the total sum of registered participants was highlighted. In the same framework, the largest group was announced as the
Srdoči schoolchildren with
505 participants under the mask “I want RI, I want JE, I want KA: WE ARE RIJEKA!”. Such data also reveal the broader picture: the parade does not rely on one or two institutions, but on a range of kindergartens, schools, associations and carnival groups that come in an organised manner, prepare choreographies and, in a short time, pass through a strictly defined route and protocol. That is why the event is increasingly described as a “major production” – not only because of the impression on the ground, but also because of the documented organisational structure.
Why the children’s parade matters beyond the carnival day
Although the parade takes place over a few hours, its effect on the city lasts much longer. Children’s groups and schools prepare costumes and performances for months, parents participate in making props, and organisers resolve traffic, safety and stage coordination in advance. In public terms, the event creates a sense of togetherness – because in the same space it brings together families, schools, neighbourhoods and guests – and in tourism terms it becomes one of Rijeka’s most recognisable winter motifs. This combination of the “local” and the “open” explains why accompanying spending regularly forms and expands around the carnival: hospitality, city services, cultural programmes, but also the needs of travellers coming from outside Rijeka, including those looking for
family-friendly accommodation close to the centre.
From 1997 to today: how the children’s parade grew into a major event
The first Children’s Carnival Parade was held in
1997, when
28 groups participated. Children had been part of carnival parades even earlier, but they performed within the main International Carnival Parade. Today, the children’s parade in Rijeka is a separate, large and recognisable event which, according to the assessment of the city administration, develops year by year and confirms the importance of carnival tradition in the city. This continuity precisely explains today’s turnout: it is a manifestation that is passed down generationally – children who once walked the Korzo as masqueraders today often participate as parents, teachers or organisers, and the audience in Rijeka recognises it as part of a shared story.
The carnival period continues: events leading toward the International Parade
The children’s parade traditionally opens the liveliest part of the carnival programme, and after it Rijeka enters a series of events leading toward the International Carnival Parade. In the official announcement of the carnival programme, it was highlighted that, alongside the children’s parade, the schedule also includes accompanying events such as the Carnival Snowboard Session on Platak, the programme “Days of Laughter in Carnival” and the Carnival Run, and all of this serves as an introduction to the International Carnival Parade, announced for
Sunday, 15 February 2026. For those who want to combine several carnival activities in one trip, this is also a practical signal that the stay can be planned in advance, including
accommodation in Rijeka for carnival weekends and programme dates.
Sources:- City of Rijeka – report on the held 29th Children’s Carnival Parade (31 January 2026) link
- City of Rijeka – announcement of the carnival programme and key organisational data for the Children’s Parade (28 January 2026) link
- Rijeka City Tourist Board (Visit Rijeka) – instructions for participants of the 29th Children’s Carnival Parade (document) link
- Rijeka City Tourist Board (Visit Rijeka) – order of groups for the Children’s Carnival Parade 2026 (document) link
- Visit Rijeka – information page about the Children’s Carnival Parade (also includes online viewing options) link
- Novi list – announcement of the Children’s Carnival Parade 2026 (71 groups, start at 12 o’clock) link
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