Dubrovnik Carnival returns in full splendor, bringing a rich program filled with dance, laughter, and creative masks! From February 13th to 17th, ,the city will come alive with tradition and carnival cheer.
Carnival plays a significant role in the cultural tradition of Dubrovnik. It was a time of song, joy, games, and parades. During the carnival, especially in the Renaissance period, the city came to life once again—barriers between different social classes were broken, and the streets became the center of festivities.
For the people of Dubrovnik, the carnival season represented a period of leisure, indulgence in food and drink, life's passions, a reversal of power relations, and a way to express social critique. During these days, the city's streets would become a vibrant stage filled with the sounds of music, parades, theatrical performances, colorful masks, and dances. That unique spirit of the carnival has been preserved to this day, making the Dubrovnik Carnival one of the most anticipated events of the year.
The rich program includes masked school and kindergarten days on Stradun, evening parties and concerts, a competition in preparing šporki makaruli, street performances and dance spectacles, and valuable prizes for the best masks.
Join us and be part of the most joyful tradition in the city!
DUBROVNIK CARNIVAL 2026 - PROGRAMME
FRIDAY, 13th FEBRUARY // COSTUMED SCHOOL DAY ON STRADUN
9:00 – Parade along Stradun by pupils from 1st to 4th grade of primary schools
11:00 – Announcement of the best costumed classes
12:00 – Parade along Stradun by pupils from 5th to 8th grade of primary schools
14:00 – Announcement of the best costumed classes
20:00 – Costumed concert by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra
Marin Držić Theatre (free tickets available with advance reservation)
21:00 – Little Carnival Festivities with live music and a costume party
Terrace in front of the Marin Držić Theatre
SATURDAY, 14th FEBRUARY // COSTUME COMPETITION IN FRONT OF LUŽA
11:00 – Performance by the Dubrovnik City Brass Band and Dubrovnik Majorettes
11:30 – Performance by the Linđo Folklore Ensemble
17:00 – Grand dance of little carnival-goers by the “Naša djeca” Dubrovnik Association
Akademis Academia Student Centre
21:00 – Fancy dress under the dome at Lazareti Club
SUNDAY, 15th FEBRUARY // CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL FESTIVITIES
14:00 - 15:30 – Masks Our Way at the Rector’s Palace
Program by the DART Association marking its 20th anniversary
14:30 – Parade featuring the Dubrovnik City Brass Band and Dubrovnik Majorettes, departing from the Large Onofrio’s Fountain
15:00 – Children’s carnival celebration at Lazareti Club
17:00 – Announcement of the best individual costumes and costumed families
MONDAY, 16th FEBRUARY // COSTUMED KINDERGARTEN DAY ON STRADUN & IN NOVA MOKOŠICA
09:30 – Gathering of costumed groups from the Pčelica Kindergarten and parade through Mokošica
10:00 – Dance party with a DJ at the Naš Dom sports playground, Mokošica
10:00 – Parade of costumed kindergarten groups along Stradun
12:00 – Announcement of the best costumed groups
12:00 – Costume competition in preparing šporki makaruli (traditional dirty macaroni)
17:00 – 18:00 – Spirits of the Renaissance at the Rector’s Palace
Renaissance performance by the Skup group
TUESDAY, 17th FEBRUARY // CARNIVAL FINALE
20:00 – Carnival Festivities with the band Sabioncello
Arsenal City Café