Of all the Adriatic and Mediterannean cities, Rijeka is located deepest within the European mainland. It is a town of rich and turbulent history, a town which has always attracted people seeking new business opportunities, as well as those seeking rest and a good time. The cosmopolitan character of this Mediterannean town of Middle-European architecture is visible with every step you take. Rijeka is a town of beautiful palaces (eg the Palace of the Grand Duke Joseph, the Governor's Palace - today they house the Historical Archives of Rijeka and the Maritime and Historical Museum of Coastal Croatia in Rijeka), a town of splendid details on secession period buildings, as well as a town featuring the loveliest examples of European modern architecture.
However, the true value of our town lies in it's inhabitants, a people open and friendly towards foreigners, a people who speak at least one foreign language and for whom communication with the world is a major part of their everyday work.
Rijeka is a town of seamen, enhancing it's ties with the entire world. The museums of Rijeka shelter a rich collection of weaponry from the Far East, numerous articles of applicable and artistic value from all parts of the world. Our Modern Gallery is the organiser of the well-known international exhibition Bienale of the Mediterannean Youth, an exhibition which has, together with the Drawing Bienale, carried the names of Rijeka and Croatia throughout the world.
A town of mutual understanding and tolerance, a town of peace and labour, a town which embraces with an open heart all newcomers of good intention and which is ready to offer business cooperation as well as vacation and the services of hotels and restaurants.
The town of Rijeka has been known for its carnival festivities since the Middle Ages. Austrian and Hungarian aristocracy, Russian princesses, German barons, counts and countesses from all over Europe were once the guests of the Rijeka Carnival. The carnival customs of Rijeka are a particular blend of European middle class carnivals, foremost Venetian and Austrian carnivals, and elements of old Slavic folklore and mythology. The carnival events traditionally take place in the squares and streets of the town, regardless of the weather.
In a hundred-year tradition, the International Carnival of Rijeka has recently become an acknowledged and impressive happening for the Town of Rijeka, its region and all of Croatia, attracting numerous individual masks, organized groups of masks, participants, spectators and the media.
The International Carnival of Rijeka is a member of the Federation of European Carnival Cities - FECC.
The height of the carnival festivities, taking place on the last Sunday of the Carnival, is the International Carnival Parade, a procession of masks and carnival customs of coastal and continental Croatia and abroad.
The traditional International Rijeka Carnival - the pride of the people of Rijeka - is one of the largest and most acknowledged carnivals in Europe, hosting more than a thousand masks and over 100 000 spectators.
With its rich and long touristic experience Kompas Zagreb will help you enjoy Croatia in the best possible way, so do not hesitate to contact us by phone, fax or e-mail. We can make your hotel reservations, arrange arrival transfers, rent a car, prepare tickets for different events, organize excursions etc.
