Home – News
No FECC Convention in Budva 2026 or 2027!
The FECC International Board hereby informs you of the following.
Since 1980, FECC has organized annual conventions until 2025, except in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – a total of 44 FECC Conventions.
Since 1999, Mr. Lars Algell has been involved in the signing of contracts and contacts with each prospective host.
In October 2000, he participated in a scouting trip with a FECC Sweden delegation to St. Petersburg for the upcoming FECC Convention 2001. The meeting was held in the Tsar’s Summer Palace – the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, Russia.
The first question on this meeting from the vice Mayor of S:t Petersburg was: – “Can we cancel this contract for FECC Convention 2001?”
His lawyer gave him a very clear answer: – “No, it cannot be cancelled – it is already signed by the City of St Petersburg”
On 5 April 2024, we received a Letter of Intent from the City of Budva, signed by the Vice Mayor, by NGO Festadjuni represented by Marija Pjerotic, and by FECC Montenegro.
On 3 May 2025 contract was signed for FECC Convention in Budva 2026. On FECC International Board meetings 2024 and 2025 and General Assembly 2024 and 2025 decisions were made and confirmed by all members of the International Board for Budva 2026.
However, the signed contract, 03.05.2025., will not be fulfilled although signed by the Mayor of Budva, Nikola Jovanovic, and Marija Pjerotic, NGO Festadjuni and FECC Montenegro.
Since 1980 this has never happened. Of course, the FECC International Board trusted the signing parts 03.05.2025. See example above re. St Petersburg.
See also photos from signing of the contract in Budva 3 May 2025.
We regret that the consequence is that approx. 130 – 140 delegates cannot come to a FECC Convention in the wonderful and beautiful city of Budva and in Montenegro.
We really tried to get all parties to fulfil the contract in respect of all FECC Members and for those employees at the Tourist Organization TO, Budva that made all preparations for a successful Convention in Budva 2026.
Unfortunately, now for the first time in 45 years we have a Host not fulfilling a signed contract.
Many thanks to Tourist Organization TO, Ana Vujosevic, Aleksandar Bozovic and City Manager Marijana Bozovic for all your support, friendship, efforts, preparations and good communication. We sincerely appreciate your efforts to make the Budva Convention possible for FECC members🙂👍❤️
After a long period of indecision and postponement of final decisions – while at the same time repeatable assurances were given that everything would be fulfilled according to the 03.05.2025. signed contract – has resulted in a situation that for the first time in decades, a FECC Convention cannot be organized after 3 of 4 parties breach of the contract.
It is also regrettable that some individuals, even within the Board/Team, who previously, by decisions 2024 and 2025, supported the FECC Convention in Budva later acted in ways that contributed to the FECC Convention not taking place, for reasons known only by them.
If you have questions feel free to contact the signing persons of the contract and also the FECC members who actively acted to cancel the FECC Convention in Budva 2026
FECC Convention 2027 will be planned with the trusted host so we do not have the same situation again.
A Digital FECC Presidium Meeting and FECC General Assembly will take place preliminary on the 9-10 May 2026. More info will come.
FECC International Board
Lars Algell – Aleksandar Cicimov – Marion Hirche – Sebastien Haas – Raymond Vella
International Carnival Parade closes the 2026 Rijeka Carnival
The city of Rijeka once again confirmed its reputation as one of Europe’s leading carnival destinations as the 43rd Rijeka Carnival concluded on 15 February 2026 with the traditional International Carnival Parade.
More than 11,000 masked participants, organised in around 100 carnival groups, filled the streets of Rijeka in a colourful celebration of creativity, satire and tradition. Following the long-standing custom, the parade began exactly at noon, transforming the city centre into a vibrant stage of music, allegorical floats, imaginative costumes and carnival humour.
After a rainy day earlier in the week, the final parade was greeted by sunshine, adding to the festive atmosphere along the waterfront and the main parade route. Groups from Rijeka, the wider Kvarner region and international guests joined the procession, presenting themes ranging from traditional carnival characters to contemporary and satirical interpretations of global events.
As in previous years, the parade was led by the official carnival delegation including the Mayor of Rijeka, the Carnival Master (Meštar) and the Carnival Queen, accompanied by city representatives and cultural organisations. Traditional bell-ringers, musicians and dance groups added strong elements of regional heritage to the event.
The International Carnival Parade represents the highlight of the Rijeka Carnival season and one of the most recognisable cultural events in Croatia. Beyond entertainment, the carnival remains an important expression of local identity, creativity and freedom of expression, bringing together thousands of participants and visitors from across Europe.
With the traditional circle dance of the bell-ringers, the official programme of the Rijeka Carnival 2026 came to a close, leaving behind another memorable chapter in the long carnival tradition of the city.
📷 A photo gallery from the parade
14th Night of Crinolines Held in Rijeka
As part of the Rijeka Carnival, one of the most distinguished carnival events of the season – the 14th Night of Crinolines – was held aboard Botel Marina, a proud member of FECC.
This elegant masquerade ball, co-organised with the FECC member association KU Veseli Oldtimeri, once again brought together tradition, historical elegance and the authentic carnival spirit for which Rijeka is internationally renowned.
Set in a unique maritime atmosphere, guests in refined costumes and crinolines enjoyed an evening of music, dance and celebration, reviving the spirit of historic carnival balls while reaffirming the cultural and social value of carnival heritage.
The Night of Crinolines remains an important highlight of the carnival season and a fine example of how FECC members actively preserve and promote carnival traditions through high-quality cultural events.
Crowned Queen of the Rijeka Carnival 2026.
Last night, the festive atmosphere of the Rijeka Carnival reached another milestone with the election of Pia Vujović as the 29th Queen of the Rijeka Carnival. Representing the carnival group Siti i pijani, Pia impressed the audience and jury with her confidence, authenticity, and strong connection to carnival tradition.
The ceremonial crowning organized by RUK (Rijeka Carnival Association) was led by Meštar Sandi, officially marking the beginning of Pia’s year-long role as an ambassador of the carnival spirit in Rijeka and beyond.
The evening brought together seven outstanding candidates, celebrating creativity, community, and the enduring heritage of one of Europe’s most vibrant carnival traditions.
Fašjenk Dobova – 20 Years of Membership in the Federation of European Carnival Cities
The Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC) proudly marks 20 years of membership of Fašjenk Dobova, a carnival that has earned a respected place within the European carnival family.
Founded in 1980, FECC is dedicated to preserving carnival traditions and strengthening cultural exchange between countries and communities through carnival events. Today, the Federation connects members from more than fifty countries worldwide.
Fašjenk Dobova became a member of FECC in 2006, during the FECC conference in Novi Vinodolski, Croatia. Since then, it has actively participated in numerous international carnivals, representing Slovenia through authentic ethnographic characters as well as carnival, dance, and music groups.
Fašjenk Dobova is also a regular participant in FECC congresses, where it contributes to the promotion of Slovenia’s rich intangible cultural heritage and to the exchange of experience within the FECC network.
On the occasion of this 20-year anniversary, FECC expresses its appreciation to Fašjenk Dobova for its long-term commitment and valuable contribution, and looks forward to continued cooperation in the spirit of carnival tradition and international friendship.
A Successful Start to the New Carnival Season
The new carnival season has begun with an intensive and highly successful international programme, reaffirming FECC’s active role in strengthening cooperation and dialogue across Europe. Together with FECC President Lars Algell, a demanding ten-day tour was carried out, combining official events, working meetings, and milestone celebrations with FECC members and partner cities.
The tour opened in Cottbus, Germany (8–11 January) with the inauguration of the first travelling FECC exhibition, an important step in presenting Europe’s carnival heritage to a wider audience and strengthening FECC’s long-term promotional activities.
From Germany, the delegation continued to North Macedonia, beginning in Vevchani (12–14 January) with participation in the Vevchani Carnival and a working meeting with the Mayor of Vevchani. Further official visits followed in Prilep and Strumica, including meetings with local authorities and FECC members, focused on cultural cooperation and future development.
The tour concluded in Pernik, Bulgaria (16–18 January) at the 60th anniversary of the Surva International Festival of Masquerade Games, held under the patronage of UNESCO, highlighting Pernik’s outstanding role in preserving intangible cultural heritage.
Despite the intensity of the schedule, the tour was completed with excellent results, strengthening institutional relationships and setting a confident and forward-looking tone for the carnival season ahead.
FECC Traveling Exhibition Opens in Cottbus 🇪🇺🎭
The Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC) proudly presents its first-ever traveling exhibition, opening on 9 January 2026 at 18:00 in Hugendubel Bookstore, Mauerstraße 8, Cottbus (Germany).
The opening evening features:
the Ukrainian Women’s Choir of Cottbus the Funkengarde of Carnival Club Kausche the music duo Schwerk / Hirche
Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Throughout January and February, the exhibition is complemented by a rich side programme, including gallery talks, children’s activities, readings from a carnival book, and international meetings with carnival representatives.
As part of the city-wide concept, costumed mannequins from different FECC countries are displayed in selected shops across Cottbus, bringing international carnival traditions directly into the urban space.
After Cottbus, the FECC Traveling Exhibition continues its journey to Luxembourg and then Montenegro — further strengthening cultural exchange and the shared European carnival heritage.
Happy New Year 2026
As we enter the new year, we extend our warmest wishes to the entire FECC community — our members, partners, volunteers, and friends.
While we may not always share the same perspectives, we are united by a common responsibility: to work constructively, with respect and openness, toward shared goals that strengthen our network and connect our carnival cities.
May 2026 be a year of cooperation, dialogue, and purposeful action — focused on unity, cultural exchange, and the continuous development of our organization.
We look forward to building the future of FECC together.
Warm regards and happy New Year 2026 !
Federation of European Carnival Cities
Condolences
In Memory of Annemiek van der Kroon
Let her rest in peace.
With deep sadness, we inform our members and friends that Annemiek van der Kroon, a devoted FECC member since 1980, passed away on 12 November 2025. Born on 13 August 1947, Annemiek dedicated 45 years of loyal support and friendship to our Federation.
Annemiek was a warm, committed presence in the FECC family. Her long-standing engagement, her kindness, and her unwavering belief in the carnival spirit will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to meet her.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the entire van der Kroon family, as we share their grief during this difficult time.
We are especially grateful for the invaluable assistance Annemiek and her brother Herman provided to FECC—an effort that would have been nearly impossible without their dedication and solution-oriented approach.
Thank you, Annemiek, for your decades of loyalty, friendship, and service.
May she rest in peace.
HAPPY NEW CARNIVAL YEAR ! 🎭
Starting now — 11 November at 11:11
We wish all Carnival friends a joyful and successful Carnival Year 2025/2026!
Friendly reminder for FECC members to keep the official FECC Carnival Calendar accurate and up to date, please send by email your materials :
A short description of your carnival (in English) and 6 high-quality photos
Andrej Kušeta — FECC webmaster & calendar coordinator
📧 andrej@arhipelag.hr
For the upcoming FECC Journal, please send content to:
Marion Hirche — 📧 quentin.hirche@gmx.de
Many thanks to Rijeka, Croatia for a fantastic FECC Convention 2025 and to Sona, Italy for a wonderful FECC Dies Natalis 2025.
We now look forward to the FECC Convention in Budva, Montenegro and FECC Dies Natalis in Kaštela, Croatia.
More info to follow—stay tuned!
Yassou, yassou, yassou! 🎉
FECC International Board
Lars Algell
FECC Dies Natalis 2025 – Saturday Highlights
On Saturday, the FECC family enjoyed a day filled with culture, fellowship, and celebration in the beautiful city of Verona.
The morning began with a guided tour through Verona’s most iconic monuments, followed by a formal meeting with the President of the Province at Loggia Frà Giocondo.
The evening brought the spirit of carnival to life with the grand gala dinner and a spectacular fancy-dress carnival ball at Azienda Agricola Casetta Fornel, accompanied by music, dance, and the true joy of being part of the FECC community.
We were especially delighted to welcome our new members from La Oliva, Canary Islands, whose passion and energy enrich the ever-growing FECC family.
Another unforgettable chapter in the story of European carnival unity! 🎭✨
Dies Natalis – Opening Day in Sona 🇪🇺🎭
Today marks the beginning of the Dies Natalis celebration in Sona, Italy!
Delegations from across Europe gathered for the flag parade, the official opening ceremony, and the presentation of the 46th FECC Convention to Budva.
A warm welcome from the Municipality of Sona, a concert by the city band, and an evening of fellowship and Italian hospitality made for a memorable first day.
Together in the spirit of friendship, culture, and carnival!
🎉 FINAL COUNTDOWN – FECC Dies Natalis 2025 in Sona, Italy 🇮🇹
October 10–13, 2025
Dear Carnival Family,
The final countdown has begun!
Only a few months remain until FECC Dies Natalis 2025, and today – 21 July – marks the official deadline for registration!
📍 Location: Sona, Italy
📅 Dates: 10–13 October 2025
🎟️ Last day to register: 21.07.2025.!
👉 If you need a day or two more, please inform us no later than tonight.
📩 Contact the host:
Claudio Hueller
📱 +39 348 141 3693
📧 diesnatalis@prolocosona.it
📝 To participate, please make sure your FECC membership is up to date – this also secures discounted participation and full access to the FECC network.
Let’s meet in Sona to celebrate friendship, culture, and the unifying power of carnival!
Very welcome to Italy!
Yassou, yassou, yassou! 🇮🇹🇪🇺🎭
INVITATION TO DIES NATALIS 2025 – SONA, ITALY
October 10th – 13th, 2025
We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming DIES NATALIS gathering, which will take place in the beautiful town of Sona, in the province of Verona, Italy, from October 10th to 13th, 2025.
Please find below the link for your registration and program details:
DIES NATALIS – Sona 2025. – online registration form
👉 Registration and payment deadline: July 21st, 2025
Please note: After July 31st, hotels will begin applying penalties for changes in reservation numbers, so we kindly ask all participants to register as early as possible to secure their place.
Highlights of the program include:
- Friday, October 10th – Welcome lunch (12:30–14:30), visit to historic and cultural sites in Sona (14:30–16:00), opening ceremony (17:00–18:00), municipal band concert (18:30–19:30), and dinner (20:00).
- Saturday to Monday – Full agenda available in the attached program.
Transfers will be provided for participants arriving at:
✈️ Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)
🚉 Verona Train Station (Porta Nuova) – Piazzale XXV Aprile 6, 37138 Verona
If arriving at a different airport, detailed instructions will be provided on how to reach Verona by train, where you will then be welcomed by our hosts.
Accommodation:
DB Hotel Verona Airport Congress & Spa
Via Aeroporto, 20/c, Caselle di Sommacampagna (VR)
Host Contact:
Claudio Hueller
📞 +39 348 141 3693 🇮🇹
📧 diesnatalis@prolocosona.it
Let us gather once again to celebrate the spirit of carnival, cross-cultural exchange, and the unity of our European carnival family.
FECC Presidium Meeting – Rijeka 2025
Today, Rijeka had the honour of hosting the FECC Presidium Meeting as part of the annual convention. We warmly thank all 17 national representatives for their presence, dedication, and contribution to the continued growth of our federation.
It was a pleasure to welcome all of you aboard Botel Marina in Rijeka and share ideas for the future of European Carnival traditions!
Flag Parade Through the Heart of Rijeka!
This morning, the Flag Parade made its way along the iconic Korzo promenade as part of the ongoing FECC Convention. Rijeka proudly welcomed carnival cities from all across Europe, united in celebration of a shared cultural heritage.
Carnival is deeply woven into the fabric of our lives, and moments like this highlight the strength and significance of our enduring tradition.
Let the spirit of carnival continue to inspire, connect, and bring joy across borders!
🎭 The Convention Begins Tomorrow! 🎭
We are delighted to welcome delegates from around the world as the annual FECC Convention officially opens tomorrow in Rijeka, Croatia!
A unique gathering of carnival cities, organizers, and enthusiasts, this year’s convention promises inspiring panels, vibrant cultural exchanges, and unforgettable memories.
Stay tuned for daily updates, photos, and highlights from the heart of carnival culture.
✨ Let the celebration begin! ✨
45th FECC Convention – Rijeka, Croatia
We are thrilled to invite you to the 45th FECC Convention taking place in Rijeka, Croatia, from May 10 to May 17, 2025!
INVITATION – 45th FECC Convention 2025, 10-17 May Rijeka Croatia
Arrival Saturday 10 May – Departure Saturday 17 May 2025
45th Convention 2025
Event Details:
📅 Dates: May 10–17, 2025
📍 Location: Rijeka, Croatia
👥 Hosts: Mayor of Rijeka, Marko Filipović; Director of Rijeka Tourist Board, Petar Škarpa; and the Organizing Committee of the 45th FECC Convention
Host Contact – Rijeka – send Registration Form
Daliborka Kesic Stampf
feccrijeka@arriva.com.hr
+385 51 212 224
FECC members will, organized by the Host, stay at:
Hotel Bonavia https://www.jadran-hoteli.hr/bonavia-en
Botel Marina https://www.botel-marina.com/en/
Rijeka – info www.visitRijeka.hr
Welcome from FECC International Board:
Lugagnano Carnival 2025 Parade and FECC Dies natalis announcement
Last weekend, the town of Lugagnano, Sona, Italy, was filled with color and joy as it hosted its annual carnival parade. The event featured vibrant parade, creative costumes, and lively performances, drawing both locals and visitors from many countrys.
Alongside the celebrations, representatives of the Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC) discussed and agreed that Dies Natalis 2025, an important event marking the organization’s founding is to be held in Lugagnano. The meeting resulted in key agreements on the event’s venue and dates, reinforcing FECC’s commitment to preserving and promoting carnival traditions.
With the success of this year’s carnival and the productive FECC discussions we are all unifying carnival culture in Europe.
– NEW DATE 15 APRIL!!!
The prehistory of FECC.
This goes back to the year 1975, on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the City of Amsterdam.
The then existing Amsterdam carnival associations “Amstelpieren & Brokkerijders, led by Henk van der Kroon (+2018) had dared to organize a spectacular International Prinsen meeting in November 1975 at the RAI Congress Center in Amsterdam.
With the cooperation of the Amsterdam business community, the city council and the diligent work of the carnival associations this could be financed.
Among the guests were his Royal Highness Princess Margriet and diplomats and dignitaries from Brazil, Italy, Greece, Germany and Belgium.
Carnival associations such as “Het Heilig Wammes” from Maaseik (B), Party community from Hasselt (B), “Stadsgarde” from Aachen (D), “Tempeleers” from Maastricht etc
A total of 4,500 attendees.
This unique international event was the start of an exuberant exchange, which continued until 1980. Then it was decided to organize a reunion abroad, more specifically in Patras. This step is now regarded as the establishment of the FECC, in fact, one could well label 1975 as a year of foundation, but the name FECC was not yet known at that time.
In the years between 1980 and 1986, the Reunions were more festive recreations, with encounters between Greek cultures, but in 1986 in KOS the seeds were laid for the necessity of regulations and memberships. The initiative of the extra meeting at Hotel “Prince de Liège” in Brussels, autumn 1986 and the annual meeting in Malta in 1987, prompted the Belgians Vansina (+2018), Baumans, Rega (+2018) and Van Doorslaer to take the initiative to set up a national section of Belgium. This was unique, because no other FECC country had thought of this. Vansina was the first national president to be elected and with his influence as mayor of the City of Leuven and the assistance of his secretary, much could be achieved.
In 1988 the example was followed by the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The National Carnival Commission of Malta followed in 1989 with its own form of a section, while Jiirgen Schmidt also formed a section in Germany in the same year in Bad Ems.
Object and Objectives of FECC.
The Federation is a democratic association, respecting the fundamental values of right and freedom of each of its members, whatever are their political, creed or sex. It assembles people who agree to act and work to join the aim of the association.
The mainobjectives of the Federation amongstothers, are listed hereunder but are not restrictive by any means:
- To unit, the European and Mediterranean and outside Europe/Oversea members Carnival Cities in the exchange of ideas and opinions in the interest of Carnival.
- To collect and preserve knowledge on the usage, costumes and traditions related to Carnival, inside and outside of Europe.
- To promote exhibitions, exchange of ideas and advertising without losing sight of proper national identities.
- To stimulate youth participation in national carnival activities and to encourage exchange schemes for youth among the member states.
- Original Statutes of FECC deposit in Luxembourg – see page 23.
About FECC.
The FECC Board 2021 – 2024
Branko Aleksandar C. Guy Marion Lars Josip Aleksandar V.
Lars Algell: President.
- Mail: lars.algell@gmail.com
- Mobile: +46 705344000
- adress: Stora Gatan 72, SE-193 30 Sigtuna, Sweden
Josip Silov: Vice president; residence in Ledenice, Croatia.
- Mail: jsilov@gmail.com
- adress: Donji Zagon 2, 51251 Ledenice, Novi Vinodolski, Croatia.
Marion Hirche: Vice president, residence in Cottbus, Germany.
- Mail: Quentin.Hirche@gmx.de
Branko Brumen: General secretary, residence in Ptuj, Slevenia.
- Mail: fecc.gen.sec@gmail.com
Aleksandar Cicimov: General treasurer,
- Mail: alexmkd954@gmail.com
- Phone: +38975339977
- Sava Kovacevic 16, 2400 Strumica, MKD-Macedonia
Guy Van Der Eecken:
- tendered his resignation, ***** but is still active as Webmaster and fecc@googlegroups.com and feccinfo@googlegroups.com
Alesander Vasovic: Assessor of the International Board, residence in Beograd, Serbia.
-
- Mail: aleksandar@maslacak.net
https://www.youtube.com/user/carnivalcities/videos