The topic of this thesis is to search for the maning behind carnival magic, that is, carnival customs that originated from pastoral cultures of our region and other countries throughout Europe. Pastoral magic is the main source of inspiration for my own art porfolio, which represents a combination of various carnival characters, which also applies to design of the costume. This thesis includes the teoretical part essential for understanding the meaning and symbolism of carnival customs in Croatia, as well as historical development of the carnival and its origin. In addition to the origin of this customs, it was important to fully study the elements of magic and time in this ritual practices, which are essential for understanding the actions and beliefs of people in this area. This thesis describes carnival characters and carnival groups according to the Croatian regions but also, according to the regions of other Europian countries. Also, the equipement nad masks of individual groups are described, with an important emphasis on the meaning and symbolism of the mask. An integral part of this master thesis is my own art portfolio inspired by the traditional costumes of carnival characters and the creation of my own costume design of a selected work, which through its own artistic signature unites the esssence of this winter celebrations and exorcists of winter.