Krnjeval in Drniš is one of the region’s oldest and most recognisable carnival traditions, with roots reaching back to 1780. It takes place in the pre-Lenten period, when masked participants symbolically take over the City’s keys and assume temporary “rule” until the day of Krnjeval. The central moment of the event is the trial of Krnjo, a figure representing all the misfortunes and hardships that have affected the community over the past year. The procession escorts Krnjo through the streets to Poljana, the city’s main square, where the verdict is delivered — and it is always the same: Krnjo is guilty of everything, both real and symbolic. After the verdict, the traditional burning on the Čikola bridge takes place, followed by throwing the remains into the river as a ritual cleansing. Once the sentence is carried out, the procession returns to Poljana, where the best costume groups are selected and the celebration continues late into the night.
Krnjeval is a centuries-old Drniš carnival tradition in which masked groups assume city authority, organise a lively procession, and bring Krnjo to trial and symbolic burning as a ritual farewell to the past year’s “troubles”.
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A centuries-old carnival tradition
Krnjeval preserves customs rooted in the 18th century.
Krnjeval in Drniš represents a deeply rooted tradition that has been preserved since 1780, carrying forward poklad customs that symbolise the end of winter, the release of negativity and the beginning of a new cycle. The symbolic handover of the City’s keys to masked groups marks the start of a period filled with joy, satire and creative expression. Generations of Drniš residents take part in maintaining this custom, and the procession regularly brings together preschool children, families, associations, schools and numerous groups who prepare their costumes for weeks in advance. The ritual trial of Krnjo blends historical symbolism with contemporary humour, giving the event both cultural and communal value. In this way, Krnjeval remains a vital expression of shared identity and continuity throughout the city’s long history.
The procession, the trial and the burning of Krnjo
The masked procession leads Krnjo to a symbolic trial and burning.
The highlight of Krnjeval is the large masked procession that forms in the centre of the city and moves through the streets of Drniš toward Poljana, where Krnjo will be brought before the “court”. Krnjo personifies all the troubles, mishaps and misfortunes of the previous year, making the trial rich in satire, humour and ritual meaning. The verdict is always the same: Krnjo is guilty — both for what he did and for what he did not do. After the verdict is read, the procession heads to the Čikola bridge, where the symbolic burning of the effigy takes place, followed by the casting of the remains into the river as a gesture of letting go of the past. Once the sentence is executed, the procession returns to Poljana, where the best costume groups are announced, awards are given and the festivities continue well into the night. This final part of the event gathers a large number of residents and visitors, creating a lively atmosphere that defines the spirit of Krnjeval.