International carnival parade in Rijeka , Photo by Rijeka Carnival, PR

Croatian carnival guide

Croatian Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party. The culmination of every carnival celebration is a mock trial to an effigy called Fašnik or Pust, that represents the evil-doers and negative energy in general. After the trial Fašnik is usually sentenced to burn or hang and his execution represents a new and healthy beginning.
Both universal Carnival traditions and local traditions are practiced during this festival in Croatia. One of the most famous authentic Croatian carnival costume are Zvončari (the bellmen). They are traditionally dressed in white trousers, striped sailor shirts and wear a sheepskin throw. It is believed that they scare away the evil spirits with ringing their bells.

Rijeka is known as the Carnival Capital of Croatia, but Carnival festivities can be enjoyed in Samobor, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Split, Kastav and elsewhere in Croatia. There are also summer carnivals. One of the most famous is the Senj Summer Carnival - the first was in 1968 and the tradition remained. Many other towns in the surroundings also organise Summer Carnivals (Mali Lošinj, Pag, Novi Vinodolski, Fužine, etc.).

RIJEKA CARNIVAL - International Masked Parade February 19 

Rijeka has a six-century-old Carnival tradition reaching all the way back to Venetian and Austro-Hungarian times. The rebirth of modern Rijeka Carnival began in 1982. Today, with over 20,000 participants and over 600,000 domestic and foreign visitors it is by far the biggest Carnival in Croatia and, arguably, 3rd largest in the whole world.
Every year there are numerous events preceding the carnival itself. First the mayor hands over the town keys to the Master of the Carnival, at the same day the Rijeka Carnival Queen Pageant is held. There are many concerts, exhibitions, shows, masquerades and parties being held until the final culmination - the huge masked parade held on last Sunday of Carnival with many international participants. A similar procession for children takes place on the previous day.
  

Detailed program of Rijeka Carnival http://www.ri-karneval.com.hr/en/welcome

SAMOBOR CARNIVAL (February 21 - Masked Parade)

While Rijeka is best-known for its large-scale Carnival celebrations, Samobor is known for the local flavor of its festivities. Samobor Carnival traditon is 185 years old. During the Carnival not only the people change their looks , but also the bars, restaurants and the streets. Since 1974 ceremonial trial is held, in which the Prince of Carnival (Fašnik) is tried and found guilty for all evils. After his incineration there is a big celebration and the visitors can ease their suffering over this „tragic" event with famous Samobor doughnuts (krafne) and custard slices (kremšnite). Children's masked parade is taking place on March 5th .

Detailed program of Samobor carnival : http://www.fasnik.com/page.asp?pageID=118&ps=154

ZAGREB CARNIVAL (February 18, MASKED BALL IN LISINSKI   )