Carnival
The Carnival celebration officially begins on Tuesday, February 3, at Matteotti Square, where the ceremonial handover of the City keys takes place, the Carnival mailbox is opened, and the Carnival flag is raised. In an atmosphere of joy and the first masked greetings, Carnival 2026 is thus symbolically opened. This year, the City of Rovinj-Rovigno and the Open University of the City of Rovinj-Rovigno have prepared an especially rich program, featuring new content and surprises for all generations. On this occasion, Mayor Emil Nimčević symbolically hands over the City keys to the Carnival Master, marking the moment when the masked revelers take over “power” and announce days filled with laughter, togetherness, and tradition.
On Thursday, February 12, at 10:30 a.m., the Carnival parade sets off from Lokva Square. The procession passes along the main city street Carera and continues toward the city center, where, amid a burst of colorful costumes, elementary and secondary schools as well as members of the Association of Persons with Disabilities will present themselves. At 11:00 a.m., the groups will be welcomed by citizens and hosts at the main city square, followed by the traditional trial of Viecia Batiecia, the “culprit” blamed for all the misfortunes of the past year. At 12:00 p.m., a masked ball for high school students will be held at the Multimedia Centre, while at the same time a masked ball for seventh- and eighth-graders will take place at the Dino Škrapić Youth Centre. IMPORTANT: Due to the forecast of bad weather, the Carnival parade from Trg na lokvi to Carera, planned for Thursday, February 12, is postponed to Friday, February 13!
Friday, February 13, brings an evening program for young people: the Dino Škrapić Youth Centre transforms into a hub of fun with a special party, with DJ DIOS in charge of music and atmosphere from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The weekend highlight is expected on Saturday, February 14, when at 10:30 a.m. the main Carnival parade once again sets off from Lokva Square, filling the city with joy and positive energy. Participants include the kindergartens “Neven” and “Naridola”, the “Roxanne” group, majorettes, the Brass band, and masked groups from Rovinjsko Selo. All citizens who wish to be part of the Carnival buzz are welcome to join. At 11:00 a.m., group presentations and an animation program follow at Marshal Tito Square, while the evening is reserved for entertainment and socializing at the Dino Škrapić Youth Centre, where the Granny Smith Band will perform from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. IMPORTANT: Due to the forecast of bad weather, the Carnival parade from Trg na lokvi to Carera, planned for Saturday, February 14, is postponed to Sunday, February 15!
The Carnival period concludes on Tuesday, February 17, at 10:30 a.m., with the closing ceremony: the Carnival Master returns the City keys to the Mayor, the Carnival flag is lowered, and the mailbox is put away, symbolically marking the end of this year’s masked festivities.
As every year, the Carnival spirit is also strongly felt in Rovinjsko Selo, a place with a long Carnival tradition. Organized by the local committee and the Seljanske Maškare Association, the exhibition “70 Years of Carnival in Rovinjsko Selo” opens on Friday, February 13, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cultural Centre. The following day, Saturday, February 14, at 4:00 p.m., a children’s masked ball will be held at the same venue, while the main parade and celebration are scheduled for Tuesday, February 17. The final act of the village program takes place on Wednesday, February 18, at 4:00 p.m., with the burning of the pust.
