The Rijeka Carnival has established itself as one of the most well known eventsheld in Croatia, and one of the most important events for Rijeka giving the citynational and worldwide recognition. The Carnival we know today is a modern versionof a traditional carnival that reaches back in history to a time when wearing masksand costumes had a more mystical and ritualistic purpose of summoning spring whiledriving away winter and evil spirits in an effort to preserve fertile land. Accordingly,topics regarding rituals and culture of remembrance are also commented on. Researchmethods include a combination of analyzing relevant topic related literature andstructured interviews conducted with experts in the field who are well acquainted withthe topic and deeply rooted in Carnival tradition in Rijeka.Topics touched upon in the discussion include: 1) connections the CatholicChurch and politics have with the carnival, and to what degree are they intertwined, 2)the contribution of the Rijeka Carnival towards the richness of both the citys andCroatias cultural heritage, and 3) the representation of the Rijeka Carnival as asatirical reflection of the socio-political situation in Croatia and the world.Although people are subject to year-long political manipulation, it is not soduring the carnival. The Catholic Church, as an institution, does not interfere withcarnival traditions but in its own way cooperates by not disputing the publicdischarges of negative energy and attitude and opinion expressions. The carnival is aperiod when excess eating, drinking, partying and freedom of speech is tolerated andeven advocated. However, the burning of the Pust symbolizes the end of thecarnival and the beginning of Lent marked by fast and moderation leading up toEaster.