The Rijeka Carnival has become a recognisable event not only in Croatia, but also across the Croatian border and has been included among the 500 most significant manifestations in Europe.
As every year, the mayor announced that he would temporarily leave his position to the carnival maestro, Master Toni, whom he wished all the luck in these turbulent times. This difficult situation prevailing in the economy reflected on the carnival programme as well, so that mayor Obersnel announced with regret that one of the traditional programmes – the Carnival Ball - would not take place.

The three main manifestations of the 27th edition of the Rijeka carnival include: the election of the Carnival Queen, the Children's Procession and the International Procession, and the last Carnival weekend will be particularly rich, during which a various Carnival party programme will be organised and this year even longer Costumed marathon sponsored by Radio Rijeka.
Starting from this year, people who would like to take part in the Carnival, may register their participation in processions via the new site of the Rijeka Carnival, while on social networks Facebook and Twitter, as well as on blog, participants may express their opinion about the carnival and follow all the other programmes – the Third Croatia Carnival Snowboard Session, the masked car-rally Pariz – Bakar, the Carrousel at the Theatre and many others.
For many years already the most faithful sponsor the Rijeka Carnival has been Erste banka from Rijeka.
The raising of the carnival flag on 17 January will mark the beginning of the Carnival, which will be followed by the election of the Rijeka Carnival Queen and the handing over of the city keys to Master Toni on Friday, 22 January at 08:00 a.m. at the Youth Sports Hall, when Master Toni will officially take over power in the city.

More details on the programme of the Rijeka Carnival.
(S.R.)