Colorful Festivals
Croatia has been a festival hotspot for almost a decade, with everything from picturesque beaches and brilliant blue waters to glorious, diversified settings.Rijeka Carnival is Croatia's largest and most colorful, and it always kicks off the year with a bang. The festivities begin in mid-January and last through February, with a series of parades and parties. It begins with UNESCO-listed zvonari, local men clothed in animal skins, driving away evil spirits with big cowbells. Hundreds of thousands of onlookers are already lining the streets to cheer on a rainbow of floats, masked revelers, and accompanying bands.
Every March, the already lovely city of Zagreb transforms into a canvas for artists who employ cutting-edge light projection technology to paint the city in light. The historical center is illuminated with colorful and quirky imagery, and spectacular light displays and concepts can be found around the city. Because the event takes place in the spring, the majority of the motifs imply rebirth, fresh life, and expansion. After a long winter, Zagreb comes alive with locals and visitors alike heading to the streets to appreciate the artworks and enjoy the arrival of warmer weather.
On the island of Korula, the Moreska Sword Dance is a proud heritage. This battle dance, which was originally done to protest Moorish control, was formerly popular throughout southern Europe. Every June, organizations from all around Korula and adjacent islands assemble to participate in the annual Sword Dance Festival. Participants dress in traditional costumes and parade through Korula Town to Reconciliation Square, where they perform the dance in its entirety, narrating legends of heroic victories over their invaders.
