The history of carnival and summer carnivals in Croatia

There are probably more than one reason to it. And all of the reasons probably exists as long as human race itself. They have a magical appealing to anyone who spots them, awakening emotions of wondering, admiration, fear and curiosity. People love secrets. The face behind the mask is intriguing as well as the meaning of the mask itself.

Humanity used masks from its bare start; they were unavoidable in cult ceremonies, people wore them to repel evil spirits, to protect from accidents and curses, to seduce, make fun of, to hide and to point out. They were and still are of great importance in theater and pantomime. They lured collectors as an important part of almost any civilization and culture. Some most famous mask are baule, biombo, bwa, goma, lulua from Africa, Bugaku, Gigaku, Noh and Kyogen from Japan, Bautu and Volto from Italia, and many, many others.

Yet, Italia is probably the cradle of modern carnival, especially when it comes to Europe. Etymology of the word carnival carries its roots from early Christianity; in 9th century, a Church edict proposes fast and the week without eating meat is called dominica carnis privii. It refers to a custom of a preparation for 40 days lent starting in February. But in Italy in 15th century, customs are turned upside down, and the fast is replaced by enjoying food and drink excessively and attending a wild parties under masks, as well, where anything is allowed.

Wearing masks became a great fashion in Venice and soon it was a matter of laws. Wearing masks outside of Carnival was forbidden at first, but laws changed, and the masks could be worn almost through the whole year. Mask became a symbol of hedonism, immorality and extravagance, and wearing them was common until Napoleon prohibited it in the year 1797. Masks were forgotten for two centuries! In 1980. the tradition revived and Venetian Carnival gain new shine and fame, as it has today.

However, the name Carnival spread through the whole Europe from Italy. In Croatian language it is first mentioned in the book printed in 1782. Today Croatia has one of the world most famous carnivals in Rijeka, which cannot be ashamed by those ones in Venetia, New Orleans or Rio.

But, since people like masks as we do, and there is no Napoleon to prohibit wearing them, carnivals are taking place even in the summer time. Croatia has more than a few interesting summer carnivals in coastal towns along the Adriatic. Not only Rijeka is known of its Carnival festivities, but all the region surrounding it, too. It is a part of Croatia which doesn’t retracts from it even in the summer months. There are small towns and villages where one could think the time stopped its ticking, until the summer carnival starts and all living from around are there, even if it lasts just a day.

One such place is Istrian Rabac, named ‘The pearl of Kvarner bay’ after its ntural beauty. Rabac has a thousand something residents, but on summer Carnival it is able to welcome even 10000 people more!

Novi Vinodolski has another famous summer Carnival. Carnival procession through the center of the town lasts for hours and, behind the river of masks, are faces of people from all around the globe.

Senj is another host to a summer carnival festivities where those lasts four day at the beginning of August. It is the oldest summer Carnival in Croatia with a few thousands of masked faces plaited in a great fun.

Another old tradition of this kind takes place on Pag, the island of Zadar’s archipelago. It lasts for two days but the main attraction is last day. To attend it than and not miss the big bonfire, is all you need to do for chasing the evil spirits away in the following year.

Makarska and Cavtat, a small town near Dubrovnik, have the wildest parties at summer Carnival festivities. Since both are famous tourist destinations, tourists from all over the world and the natives as well, abandon one selves to a joyful and releasing celebrations of life under the imaginative masks.