Carnival season is upon us, and a political coup in Pula.
At a time of universal threats and uncertainty that are wildly spreading across our TV screens almost on a daily basis, broad smiles on people’s faces seem to be more than welcome in any city. But this specially may be the case for winter-gloomy Pula where recently clouds have seriously jeopardized its reputation of a sunny city making long January nights even longer.
Therefore, it was quite strange to see a bunch of courious masks full of extrodanary Istrian tradition walking loudly on red carpet corridors in a beautiful 13th century city palace in Pula on January 13, 2016 . A strange looking egg-man called Jaja Mudić was the first who announced their official presence with a tall purple camerman.
„I hereby I declare that a new mayor and his assitants may pass into the City Hall“ – he yelled without fear.
And sure enough, an older man with a ironic EU hat walked past stunned viewers. Not looking back he simply said: Im Bepo and this is Zgorena Šparoga, we are the new local government.
In front of the second floor entrance of the glamorous City Hall offering no resistance and apparently accepting their fate, they were met by the mayor of Pula Boris Miletic and the president of the Pula City Council Robert Cvek. With hands like those of impatient children, masked man and women took over the keys of the city announcing solemnly days full of laughter and joy. Also without hesitation they arranged the first session of the new City Council ordering the former mayor to sit on the opposition part of the hall. Now with full power in his hands, new mayor Bepo gave all the members of the former Council a month off, declaring a state of joy and relaxation to rule from now on. This decision was accepted by Miletić who wished good luck and wise decisions for the new government. So we could say that it all ended in a friendly manner, especially if we include one final joint picture for the dozen of newspaper who were gathering all morning in an effort to catch the news first.
As a prelude to the carnival tomorrow at Karolina ice rink near the famous Arena, a true sliding masquerade will be held. It is said that, except for a good time and a sliding adventure, there will also be some nice rewards for those who bring the best masks. The ice rink is open all the way to 24th January when, with possible visit by famous Medveščak ice hockey players, who already made Pula their second home in the opening of the 2012./2013. season, when for the first time a Trapan ins(l)ide hockey torunament will be organized which will be open for all citizens to participate and with possibility to create their own teams.
So without much doubt, everything is ready for the second Carnival in Pula that will for sure prove as dangerous competition for the more publicized one in nearby Rijeka.
