Carnival season begins as early as January in Croatia. The stronghold of foolish activity on the Adriatic is the Kvarner Bay. On the following weekend, carnival friends gather in Opatija and Lovran, in Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski for International Carnival Day and for the big carnival parade in Rijeka.
But we haven't forgotten your taste buds either: There's a great candy to match the carnival season. "Fritule" are the equivalent of the German and Austrian carnival donuts, and yes, they are suspiciously similar to the "baked mice" known in Austria. In Istria and along the entire Croatian coast, however, they are not only found during carnival time, but also on many other festive occasions.
BALINJERADA IN OPATIJA 02/20/2022
INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL IN RIJEKA 02/27/2022
“Balinjerada” in Opatija
The traditional soap box race - “Balinjerada”. The event begins at 10 a.m. and the award ceremony at 2 p.m. The participants race down the main street of Opatija in self-made vehicles that ride on ball bearings (called Balinjere in the local dialect - hence the name) instead of bikes. It's always a fun spectacle. The Balinjerada is not just a race, it is part of the local carnival tradition and parade.
The drivers demonstrate their skills as pilots and at the same time demonstrate their masks, which they have made with a lot of love and effort. The masks often have the task of criticizing current social events. The Balinjerada attracts many spectators to Opatija every year, who watch the crazy race on the main street of Opatija with enthusiasm.
Visit Opatija and the original soap box race “Balinjerada”!
The international carnival parade in Rijeka
The Rijeka Carnival has a long history. To this day, the Croatian coastal town on the Kvarner Bay has managed to maintain the happy, stubborn, unrestrained, but also critical spirit of the carnival events.
Thousands of masks and costumes from Croatia and other countries are displayed at the parades, balls and other celebrations at the Rijeka Carnival. Visitors to the European Capital of Culture 2020 have the opportunity to sweeten the beginning of the year with a colorful, happy hustle and bustle.
INCLUDED SERVICES:
- Welcome with our tour guide and information hour
- Welcome drink
- 3x overnight stays with buffet breakfast
- 3x buffet dinner
- City tour Opatija or Rijeka as well as accompaniment to the carnival or Balinjerada depending on your choice
- Participation in the carnival in Rijeka or in the Balinjerada in Opatija
- 1x cake and warm drink during the carnival in Rijeka or the Balinjerada in Opatija
- Reserved places at the carnival in Rijeka and Balinjerada in Opatija
PROGRAM SUGGESTION:
DAY 1: arrival. Welcome drink with our tour guide
DAY 2: City tour Opatija or Rijeka depending on the hotel selection
Visit and stay at the carnival in Rijeka or at the Balinjerada in Opatija with the tour guide
DAY 3: Free day or possibility of excursions
DAY 4: journey home
Hotels: Krk Island, Opatija Riviera
Extension days possible
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOURNEY:
- The largest carnival parade in Europe
- Colorful handcrafted costumes
- Old tradition of bell ringers
- Entertainment