The city of Rijeka, a European recognized center of carnival events, this May becomes the epicenter of carnival Europe. The Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC) has bestowed an exceptional honor upon the city on the Rječina, choosing it to host its 45th annual convention. This prestigious role did not come by chance; it is the culmination of many years of dedicated work on the preservation, development, and promotion of the Rijeka Carnival, an event deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Rijeka and recognized as one of the most significant carnivals on the Old Continent.

In the period from May 10 to 17, 2025, Rijeka will welcome with open arms delegates and enthusiasts of carnival tradition from more than 35 countries worldwide, including representatives from Europe, America, and even Aruba. The organization of this week filled with a rich program, cultural exchange, ceremonial moments, and the strengthening of international ties is signed by the Rijeka Tourist Board, with strong partnership support from the City of Rijeka and the Croatian National Tourist Board. An additional festive note to the entire event is given by the fact that the Rijeka Carnival is celebrating an important jubilee this very year – 30 years of active and fruitful membership in the Federation of European Carnival Cities, which testifies to its long-standing dedication and quality.

Recognition of Rijeka's Carnival Excellence

The FECC's decision to entrust the hosting of its convention, which is being held for the second time in Rijeka (the first time in 2006 together with Novi Vinodolski, Senj, and Opatija), precisely to the city that flows, is a strong confirmation of the exceptional quality and international reputation of the Rijeka Carnival. This event, which annually attracts tens of thousands of participants and hundreds of thousands of spectators, is not only a spectacle of colors and creativity but also a guardian of the rich tradition and identity of the city and region.

The director of the Rijeka Tourist Board, Petar Škarpa, proudly pointed out that the upcoming FECC Convention will be an extraordinary opportunity for the city of Rijeka. "This is a platform for a valuable exchange of experiences with colleagues from all over the world, covering a wide range of topics, from financing models to the complex organizational aspects of such large international events. Equally important, this is an opportunity to once again show the world all the splendor, uniqueness, and high level of organization of our Rijeka Carnival," emphasized Škarpa. He added that he expects the arrival of between 100 and 150 participants, which places Rijeka at the center of the international carnival scene.

Similar enthusiasm is shared by Jelena Grubelić Kušeta, Head of Business Support at the Rijeka Tourist Board and newly elected president of the FECC Croatia coordination body. "We are immensely happy and proud that the FECC has recognized the Rijeka Carnival as an event that is constantly growing and developing, driven by enormous passion, tireless effort, and high professionalism of all involved. This hosting represents a great recognition to all those who have built, nurtured, and improved the Rijeka Carnival for decades, turning it into what it is today – a true jewel of the European carnival offer," stated Grubelić Kušeta.

Rijeka Carnival: More Than a Century of Tradition

The Rijeka Carnival is not just fleeting entertainment; its history dates back more than a hundred years, with roots in old folk customs and European carnival influences. The organized form as we know it today, with the recognizable International Carnival Parade, has been nurtured since 1982. What makes the Rijeka Carnival special is its ability to combine tradition and modernity, local spirit and international character.

One of the most recognizable elements are certainly the Halubajski zvončari, whose appearance, cloaked in sheepskin and with large bells around their waists, is a true spectacle. Their dance and the sound of bells, according to tradition, drive away evil spirits of winter and invoke spring. Alongside them, there are numerous other traditional masks, as well as modern, satirical groups that comment on current social and political events with their allegorical floats. The motifs depicted by the parades range from traditional to modern, and the Rijeka Carnival is known for its wit and critical review of everyday life. Over the years, the carnival has grown, so for example, in 2007, the participation of 95 groups with more than 10,000 participants was recorded, while the recent 42nd Rijeka Carnival gathered almost 11 thousand masked participants in 109 groups, which testifies to its inexhaustible energy and attractiveness.

The significance of the carnival for Rijeka is manifold. Besides being a key part of the city's cultural identity, it generates significant tourist arrivals, positively impacts the local economy, and strengthens the international image of Rijeka as an attractive and dynamic destination. The Children's Carnival Parade, which precedes the main events, brings special color and joy, ensuring the transmission of tradition to the youngest generations.

FECC: Guardian of World Carnival Heritage

The Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC) is an international non-profit organization founded way back in 1980 in the Greek city of Patras. Its fundamental mission is to preserve, promote, and enhance carnival customs and traditions throughout Europe and the world. Today, FECC brings together more than 500 members from over 50 countries, not only from Europe but also from North and South America, Africa, and the Caribbean, forming a global network dedicated to carnival culture.

The organization actively works to encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience among its members, covering topics such as financing, organizational structures, techniques for making allegorical floats, and methods for motivating volunteers. Also, FECC promotes carnivals as important cultural heritage to European institutions and encourages exchange programs for carnival groups, with special emphasis on young people. Annual conventions, like the one to be held in Rijeka, represent the central event of the FECC. They provide a unique international forum for members to promote their own carnivals and cities through seminars, workshops, and informal gatherings. For the host city, it is an extraordinary opportunity to present its tourist attractions and cultural offer to a wider international audience.

Convention Program and Expectations

During their seven-day stay in Rijeka, participants of the 45th FECC Convention will have the opportunity to take part in a series of carefully designed activities. Although the detailed program includes working meetings such as the FECC Presidium Meeting and the FECC General Assembly, where key issues for the future of carnivals will be discussed, special emphasis will be placed on cultural networking and the presentation of the rich heritage of the host city.

One of the ceremonial moments that symbolizes international unity and cultural diversity will certainly be the parade of flags of all participating countries. Presentations of carnival traditions from different regions are also expected, as well as visits to key cultural and tourist sights of Rijeka and its surroundings. The hosts will strive to show guests from all over the world the best that Rijeka has to offer, from its industrial heritage transformed into cultural spaces, to the natural beauties of Kvarner.

The successful organization of this convention will further strengthen Rijeka's position on the European and world carnival map, confirming its status as a city that lives and breathes for carnival, cherishing its tradition with pride and opening doors to future generations of masked participants and lovers of the fifth season.