There probably isn't a person from Croatia who doesn't know that "fools are crazing every day, while the smart people are crazing only on Fašnik."

I remember when I was a kid, I was at a traditional masquerade party, which is still held in the same or similar form. I remember a part of the performance included the burning of a puppet, which, to a 5-year-old, seemed like a real man. I remember I was terrified with all the people laughing and cheering, and I was absolutely petrified because I couldn't see clearly as we were standing so far away from the stage. I mean, I presumed they weren't burning a real man, but I simply couldn't be sure at that moment. 

Photo Credit: Mario Žilec

To clarify that part a bit: it is an old Croatian custom from the 19th century, and a political satire to do the afore-described show. The main characters are the Fašnik prince, princess Magpie, The Judge, and the lawyer who take over the city keys for the day, commenting on the current political events and social topics, and have a real blast out of it all. 

The Fašnik in Samobor

Not to be mixed with the Karneval in Rijeka, the Fašnik in Samobor has some of their special customs and traditions. The Fašnik in Samobor is a place of pure fun, general joy under the masks, along with the enjoyment in children's creativity showcased through the most imaginative masks the kids have made themselves. 

Photo Credit: Antonela Marić/Turistička Zajednica Zagrebačke Županije

Besides the rich musical program, there will be all kinds of different stands with traditional Fašnik dishes such as sauerkraut, sausages, meat jelly, pig meat, beef, roast turkey, or goose and creamed corn, etc. And we shouldn't forget the doughnuts. When the festive season of Poklade (Carnival) starts in Croatia, you just can't avoid them. All the stores and bakeries offer doughnuts on some special offers, and you can get a lot of them really cheap. I simply adore doughnuts, and can never have enough of them. They can be filled with chocolate, vanilla or something else, but my favorite ones are definitely the ones filled with apricot jam. Although Samobor is famous for its custard cake, I'm sure there's also an abundance of doughnuts. 

The youngest will have the opportunity to enjoy the amusement park, street performances, workshops, prize contests, the choosing of the best mask, and even fireworks. 

The Fašnik in Turopolje

Somewhat younger and smaller than the one in Samobor, the carnival in Turopolje has been delighting its visitors for over a century. Unlike in Samobor, the main characters in Turopolje are piglet, onion, and acorn. The carnival in Turopolje lasts almost the whole of February, and the visitors will have plenty of laughter, joy, and fun to enjoy. Turopolje is a macroregion in central Croatia, just south of Zagreb. This year, Turopolje will celebrate its 111th edition of the carnival. The program will be presented by the much loved and experienced Vid Balog, and Davor Dretar Drele, and the music part will be taken care of by well known Neno Belan & Fiumens. 

Photo Credit: Antonela Marić/Turistička Zajednica Zagrebačke Županije

The kids will have the opportunity to hear their peers singing, a day later, because on the 23rd of February the stage in Turopolje will be taken over by the very young singers from the kindergartens and elementary schools of that area. Everyone will be singing under the masks, of course. So, if you happen to be in Zagreb in February for a bit longer period, I strongly suggest that you don't miss out on seeing what is one of the most colorful Croatian customs. You surely won't be disappointed. 

The festival of masks in Croatia

It is very interesting to tell you that the festival called "Poklade" or "Karneval" ( lat. caro = meat + levare = to lift") is a ceremonial time in Croatia which is connected with masking and costuming. And although the customs vary depending on where you are in Croatia, the one thing connecting the festivals are masks. And the premise behind the whole thing is to send off bad spirits as well as winter.

Photo Credit: Antonela Marić/Turistička Zajednica Zagrebačke Županije

I think it is a special time in every kid's life, and it makes up for some of the most memorable memories your children won't forget soon. Although the listed customs might seem a bit tribal, and maybe even primitive, the feeling around the whole event is irresistibly positive. Although I didn't like to get masked as a kid because I was always hot and/or itchy under a mask, I sure loved to see other people get dressed up and to see their creative and imaginative ideas for costumes come to life. Are you the one who likes to get dressed up in a costume or just admire the other costumes? Find out for yourself. 

Header Image Credit: Josip Škof

Author: Tibor Trupec