ZAGREB, 26 January 2026 (Hina) – One of Croatia’s most beloved and long-standing cultural traditions will reach a historic milestone next month as Samoborski fašnik, the famous Samobor Carnival, celebrates its 200th edition.
Taking place from 6 to 17 February, the jubilee carnival will unfold under the symbolic programme title “Srakoslet za 200 let”, offering an expanded and diverse schedule that organisers say will be the most ambitious in the event’s history.
Recognised as one of the oldest and most distinctive carnivals in this part of Europe, Samoborski fašnik has been a cornerstone of local identity since the early 19th century.
This year’s anniversary edition is expected to attract a record number of participants and visitors, reinforcing Samobor’s reputation as a leading cultural destination during the carnival season.
Festivities officially begin on Friday, 6 February at 7pm, when Samobor Mayor Petra Škrobot ceremonially hands over the keys of the city. With that act, Samobor once again becomes the Free Fašnik Republic, governed by its traditional carnival figures, Sraka, Princ, Sudec and Fiškal, alongside thousands of masked revellers.
Mayor Škrobot highlighted the significance of the anniversary, noting that Samobor is proudly marking 200 years of uninterrupted carnival tradition.
“This jubilee is especially meaningful because the Fašnik has been passed down through generations for two centuries. We are particularly delighted by the involvement of kindergarten, primary and secondary school children, who prepared their masks with great dedication alongside educators,” she said.
A special highlight of the anniversary programme will be the premiere of a documentary film tracing the 200-year history and evolution of Samoborski fašnik.
According to Iva Pehar, Director of the Samobor Tourist Board, this year’s carnival will feature a record number of masked groups, reflecting the importance of the milestone.
A unique element of Samoborski fašnik is the participation of local neighbourhoods and community councils, which present their own themed masks and performances. This year, 13 local districts will take part – the highest number ever recorded.
More than 1,000 masked participants from across Croatia are expected, while over 3,000 masked children will appear on the Fašnik stage during the event. Organisers are also anticipating a record attendance from both domestic and international visitors.
Entertainment will take place across two main locations – Trg fašničkih velikana (Carnival Greats Square) and the Fašnik Tent – with an impressive line-up of Croatian and regional music stars.
Among those performing are Severina, Grše, Miach, Željko Bebek, Neda Ukraden, Mate Bulić, Gazde, Parni Valjak, Dalmatino and Željko Samardžić. The carnival will conclude with a major open-air concert by Dubioza Kolektiv, promising a high-energy finale.
Beyond music, the programme includes theatre performances, exhibitions, visual arts and dance workshops, as well as a series of traditional Fašnik events. These include the Srakotrk children’s orienteering race, the Fašnik Trk road race, and the popular Fašnička putovnica.
Visitors can also take part in Srakina prize draw, a carnival tombola offering valuable prizes, including a Ford Puma MCA car.
To accommodate large crowds, parking will be free for all visitors throughout the carnival. Hospitality venues will also operate on extended hours, remaining open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 2am on Sundays.
Summing up the spirit of the event, organisers recalled a well-known local saying:
“Bedaki noriju s’aki dan, a pametni samo na Fašnik!” – roughly translated as, “Fools act crazy every day, but the wise do so only at Fašnik.”
The message, they say, is an open invitation to join what they promise will be the most spectacular Samoborski fašnik to date.
Samoborski fašnik is organised by the Samobor Tourist Board and the City of Samobor, in partnership with Zagreb County, the Zagreb County Tourist Board, and the Croatian National Tourist Board.