There were 16 foreign groups of merrymakers, and the event was covered by 140 local and foreign reporters and correspondents.
Halubje Bell Ringers, with their traditionally distinguished masks, were the main attraction of the march through the centre of the city.
The traditional Rijeka Carnival was restored in 1982, when only three masquerade groups – "Lako ćemo", "Pehinarski Feštari" and "Halubajski Zvončari "(Halubje Bell Ringers) – paraded along the Korzo, reviving the centuries-old tradition of masquerading in the region.
Since then, the carnival procession has been held regularly every year during the pre-Lenten season, growing both in the number of participants and in organisation.
As part of the Rijeka Carnival, alongside the main parade, a variety of other carnival events are held, such as the Children's Carnival Parade, the selection of the Carnival Queen, numerous balls, concerts, and the burning of the "Pust" at the end.
As a result, Rijeka has become one of the most significant carnival destinations in Europe.
Masquerading Jota
As part of the Rijeka Carnival programme, traditional charity events "Masquerading Maneštra" and "Masquerading Jota" were held in the centre of Rijeka on Saturday, with the aim of raising funds for the establishment of a specialised vision training cabinet and some other humanitarian causes.
The eighteenth Masquerade Jota event was organised by the Rijeka Craftsmen Association, and all proceeds this year are being donated to a local association for children.
The main goal of the charity campaign is to establish and equip the first specialised vision training cabinet in Rijeka and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, as reported by the City of Rijeka.
Around 600 portions of jota were prepared by the Guild of Restaurateurs and Tourism Workers from the Rijeka Craftsmen Association, with support from craftsmen of various trades and students from the Hospitality School in Opatija, while the Palentar Association cooked the traditional side dish of polenta with potatoes.
Jota or Istrian stew is a soup made with beans and sauerkraut or sour turnip, potatoes, bacon, and spare ribs. This dish is popular in the northern Adriatic regions.
Apart from Rijeka, also central carnival events were held in many Croatian cities and towns on the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday when the 40-day Lent before Easter starts.