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| Maskare, or Mardi Gras as we call it in the United States, is a time when people indulge in eating rich foods, drinking endlessly, and celebrating outrageously! In Croatia, Maskare is known by many names, but always takes place during the last weeks of winter before Ash Wednesday and the abstinence during the season of Lent. |
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| Most larger cities hold parades, in which everyone dresses ridiculously and celebrates for days on end. Almost all Maskare festivities have a king presiding over the events. This man is chosen to humorously roast life and ultimately open the wild festivities. He must also ensure that each and every person is part of the celebration and fun! |
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| The jailed Fasnik |
| Age-old customs dictate that a stuffed figure called Mackare, Fasniik, or Pokladnik would be jailed and paraded through the streets. Villagers blamed all the bad events of the previous year on him, beating him and sometimes even burning the figure in the center of the town! This was to signify the passing of the old year and the anticipation of the new life that would arise with Easter and Springtime. |
| Candy, beads, and at one time, gold coins, were and still are, thrown out into the crowd during the celebration. |
| MASKARE MAGIC!! |
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| The King welcomes all to Maskare |
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| Whether you call it Maskar, Mardi Gras, Mesopust, Carneval, Fasnik, Faschiung, Poklade, or Bale, the wild merriment has spread to most corners of the world from its European roots. |
| COME JOIN US AGAIN SOON!!! |
| Everyone joins in on the dancing and merriment!! |
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| Food is served to all who are hungry! |