The Carnival (maškari) of Lopar

The Carnival (maškari) of Lopar

The Carnival (maškari) of Lopar

The Carnival (maškari) of Lopar

The Carnival (maškari) of Lopar

The Carnival (maškari) of Lopar

The Carnival (maškari) of Lopar

The masquers of Lopar (maškari) are the pride of Lopar and their tradition dates back over 150 years. Growing up with it, it becomes an essential part of the lives of local people.  Even though Lopar is a part of the island of Rab, the tradition has not spread beyond the peninsula.

On the last day of the Carnival, Lopar "maškari" gather into small groups and visit the locals in their homes where they are eagerly awaited.  While drinking homemade wine or brandy and eating traditional homemade food (rooster with homemade macaroni, salted meat with potatoes, homemade "prosciutto" and cheese, donut-like pastries called "hrostuli" and "frite" and an assortment of other cakes) in every house, they sing and bring joy to the hosts. Old local songs and the tinkling of bells can be heard everywhere and the whole place seems to be more alive and cheerful than usual.   

Their costumes are made up of a black blazer, white trousers and a shirt, a tie and black shoes.  They also wear a so called "klobuk" - a hat made of stiff card adorned with postcards, pictures with love motifs and feathers. A fringed "marama" (a long headscarf) which covers the wearer’s back is attached to the hat ("klobuk"). The headscarf is known as a „francuski facol“ and the fringes are known as "kurdelice". Their faces are hidden behind a "vizera" - a mask made of cloth with a sheep’s wool beard. A small bell around the waist and an iron rod finally round off their costume.