Croatia Events and Festivals

2/24/2009 - 2/24/2009Carnival (Fasnik)

The big pre-Lent carnival parade takes place on Shrove Tuesday, a celebration known locally as "Fasnik". The name refers to a character who is the Doer of Evil, he who is to blame for everything that went wrong during the previous year. Traditionally, Fasnik is subjected to a formal trial before receiving the death sentence. He (his straw effigy, at least) is then burned, drowned or hung. It doesn't put right all that went wrong, but it makes people feel better about it. High spirited revellers in fancy dress and masks congregate during the morning in front of the cathedral, before setting off on a noisy, colourful parade through the city. Feasting is an integral part of the day and the traditional dishes include sauerkraut, corn paste (zganci), roast beef, turkey or goose. Doughnuts (krafne) satisfy any remaining appetites