Zvončari
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Zvončari (The bellmen) is the unique folk custom maintained in the surrounding region of Rijeka, Croatia.
The custom dates to pagan antiquity, and it remains typical for this region. The primary task of Zvončari is to scare away evil spirits of winter and to stir up new spring-time cycle. In carnival time Zvončari march from village to village throughout the region, following the same centuries-old route, making an extraordinary amount of noise in part fueled by the wine provided by the locals en route.
The standard Zvončar costume includes white trousers, striped shirt, and a sheepskin thrown. In their hands they hold a "balta" or "bačuka" - a stylized mace, and around the waist a big brass bell or bells. There are slight variations on the costume from village to village. For examle, Zvončari of Halubje and Grobnik (Dondolasi) wear a special stylized mask representing fantastic animal head, while Zvončari of Zejane and Brguj wear "flower hats".
A legend holds that Zvončari scared away Tatars or Turks when they tried to invade the region. According to the legend the shepherds put a mask on their heads, belted on a bell, and produced a deafening noise that scared away the enemy. From that time on, mace became a part of standard equipment of Zvončari.
With their impressive appearance, Zvončari became somewhat of a tourist attraction, participating regularly in international Rijeka Carnival.
