Rijeka na starima razglednicama, Rijeka in old postcards

Gallery

This gallery contains 84 photos.

Take a look at how the city of Rijeka – European Capital of Culture 2020 has looked over the last century…..  

Morčić – symbol of Rijeka

morčić symbol rijekaThe image of a young, black, servant dressed in fine clothes, wearing a turban, encrusted with gold and jewels, was adopted as the symbol of the city of Rijeka.

Known locally as ‘morčić’ its origins could be dated back to the 17th-18th century and the Venetian ‘moretto’. This was the time when the nobility was obsessed with all things from the Orient and North Africa including Moorish slaves “imported” from Muslim countries. The Venetian nobility would dress-up their pages and servants in fine clothing and jewellery to show off their own wealth and extravagance. In their image various figurines and  jewellery were designed and produced (a style later referred to as ‘Blackamoors’).

This symbol was soon transmitted to Rijeka (Fiume) where similar forms of jewellery were manufactured by local goldsmiths and this soon seeped into tradition among the women of the region, especially in the form of earrings.

Singularly worn earrings also became popular with their sons as well as sailors and fisherman for whom they became talismans and lucky charms. The ‘morčić’ became as symbol of wealth and prosperity and these pieces of jewellery were soon passed down through the generations from mothers to daughters throughout the Rijeka region.

Morčić earring

Morčić earring – image via wikipedia

This tradition reached its peak in the mid-19th century with the establishment of the Gigante & Co. and their production of earrings, brooches, pins and necklaces.

After WWII many goldsmiths of the Rijeka region, who had been producing the now locally renowned pieces of golden jewellery, emigrated and so their skills and knowledge also disappeared. It has only been since the early 1990s that the morčić image and jewellery has been resurrected and adopted as the mascot of the city of Rijeka.

Moričić souvenirs on sale at the Mala Galerija shop in Rijeka

The morčić motif can be seen throughout the city and is widely recognised, and jewellery and souvenirs are once again being produced. During the annual Rijeka Carnival (Riječki Karneval) many participants and dignitaries can be seen dressed as ‘morčići’ reflecting the area’s centuries-old tradition.

My design above has appeared around the city, online and even as street art – this murale appeared in early 2024 near the train station 🙂

 

How are the Morčić souvenirs made? Watch the video…

Morčić

During the Rijeka Carnival revellers dress as Morčići – pic via Roberta F. wikipedia

The morčić has also made its way into popular music – here’s Neno Belan’s “Rijeka Snova”, featuring scenes of Rijeka and the motif of the city, one of my favourites 🙂

More information about souvenirs:
http://www.mala-galerija.hr/morcici.html

http://www.rijecki-karneval.hr/en/

Tražim zaposlenje u području medija/tiska/izdavaštva:
e-mail

Titanic centenary – Rijeka connection

It was on the fateful night of the 14-15th April 1912 that the British passenger liner the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg, 375 miles from the coast of New Foundland in the North Altantic, and sank on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City.

Did you know that there is a connection between the Titanic and the city of Rijeka? (at that time known as ‘Fiume’, within the Austro-Hungarian Empire)

RMS Titanic

The connection is another liner the RMS Carpathia. This ship travelled regularly between Rijeka and New York when it would transport immigrants seeking a new life in America.

RMS Carpathia

On the night of the 14-15th April 1912 the Titanic sent out SOS distress calls for help after colliding with an ice berg which the Carpathia, which was at that time travelling from New York to Rijeka then picked-up and headed to its assistance. The Carpathia managed to save over 700 people (a handful of whom were Croats) from the icy waters who had escaped the sinking. Unfortunately the other 1,500 or so passengers and crew perished.

One crew member of the Carpathia, a Croat, Josip Car, held onto to a life jacket from one of the survivors of the Titanic and this historical item was later donated after his death to the Maritime and History Museum in Rijeka (PPMHP)

Titanic life jacket held in the Maritime and Historical Museum of the Croatian Littoral in Rijeka

There are several commemorative events of this tragic maritime event being held in the UK (where both ships were built) as well as an exhibition being staged at the Maritime and Historical Museum of the Croatian Littoral in Rijeka.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yW6EkLEGLg

The Peek & Poke Computer Museum in Rijeka also held a special event until 15th April 2012 on the Arca Fiumana boat, moored on Rijeka’s waterfront entitled ‘Carpathia 2012’: http://www.peekpoke.hr

For a superb selection of photographs visit: British Pathe collection

Titanic footage and survivors interviews. On 14 April 1912, on her maiden voyage, the passenger liner RMS Titanic hit an iceberg. More than 1500 men, women and children perished. This is a short television documentary about the sinking of the Titanic, including interviews with survivors talking about their experiences and their escape.

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Official commemorative postage stamps from the UK

RMS Titanic Centenary postage stamps

More info visit https://www.benham.co.uk/pd/Titanic-30th-Anniversary-of-Discovery-of-the-Wreck-GB-Customised-Stamp-Sheet_GBS0255.htm

London Calling Comedy LIVE in RIJEKA 23.04.2012

Brod MARINA – 23.4.2012

LONDON CALLING COMEDY is back in town!
Kontakt osoba – Sonir Srdoč 091 5109 621
Rezervacije karata/ticket reservations:
Zagreb: ssonir@gmail.com

Britain’s rising young talent, a true English gentleman and Paddy’s return!

MC: Geoff Whiting (England)

HEADLINE ACT: Paddy Lennox (Ireland)

OPENING ACT: Alfie Brown (England)

MID ACT: Jeff Leach (England)

Organizatori/Organisers
Udruga Urbani Ured
Sonir Srdoč

Kontakt osoba – Sonir Srdoč 091 5109 621

Ulaznice u pretprodaji od ČETVRTKA, 12.4.2012:
Dallas Music Shop i Brod marina
Na dan predstave 60kn u predprodaji 40kn.

GEOFF WHITING – England

“wonderfully confident, highly entertaining…” Scene Magazine Bristol

Celebrating 15 years on the stand-up circuit, Geoff has a wealth of experience in working at all the notable comedy clubs in London, UK and in Europe from audiences of 12 to over 1,000 people. His entertainingly funny, strong, versatile act launched his career not only on stage as a stand-up comedian but equally on the TV screen with regular appearances for the BBC and radio.

Interestingly, he is one of only a handful of comics worldwide to have performed stand up comedy in a pod on the London Eye (for BBC: The One Show). Over the years, Geoff has worked alongside some of Britain’s most famous household named comics such as Michael McIntyre, Harry Hill, Dara O’Briain, Omid Djalili, Lee Mack and Lee Hurst.

ALFIE BROWN – England

“Immensely self-assured and stylish” – The Guardian

Alfie Brown is a comedian and presenter from South-West London and in 2006, at the tender age of 17, Alfie launched onto the comedy stage and has since established himself as one the most exciting people currently rising in the field. Described as stylish and unique as well as ‘One of the best young comedians around’ (Time Out), Alfie has a bullet-proof arrogance combined with thoughtful, passionate perspective on a range of topics that somehow sets him apart from the others.

Already at such a young age in his developing, exciting career path, he has managed to feature on primetime TV (BBC2) and has performed his stand-up at the 550 seater Lyric Theatre in London’s west end. Alfie is a devotedly passionate Liverpool FC fan.

PADDY LENNOX – Ireland

“Simply a scream.” The Telegraph

In February, Paddy burst on stage with London Calling and became an instant hit with Croatian audiences, so we’ve asked him to return for his 2nd London Calling Tour! Paddy is an engaging and instantly likeable comic, with a warm and natural approach, combining topical material, observational routines with impressive improvisation and banter to give you some great entertainment.

Recently, Paddy’s been working the corporate scene including shows for the BBC, ITV and Radio. As an accomplished comic actor, he has already created a pretty impressive list of theatre, film and TV performances. Paddy tries to play the piano to help him unwind.

JEFF LEACH – England

“Summer’s favourite festival comedian!!” – Esquire Magazine

Jeff Leach quite simply is hilarious, entertaining and the girls love him! Geoff started his journey as a DJ and quickly made his way onto TV as a presenter before appearing as host of UK’s Big Brother in 2009 as well as other BBC, ITV and Channel 4 shows. He started doing stand-up comedy in February 2010 and is set to be a household name that just seems to be getting stronger within the comedy circuit across the UK.

He performs his own revealing brand of stand up comedy whilst writing and performing sketch and character pieces. In the past year he has become a London New Comedian Awards Finalist and Leicester Square New Comedian semi-finalist and performed sold out shows at the Edinburgh Festival. He’s one to watch out for and we are delighted to have him with us on tour in Croatia.

http://www.londoncallingclub.com/

 

‘Od Sušaka pa do lipe Boke’ – PPMHP exhibition design

Graphic design for jewellery exhibition for PPMHP – Pomorski i povijesni muzej Hrvatskog primorja Rijeka – “Od Sušaka pa do lipe Boke”

Rijeka – Jeste li znali ….?

Jeste li znali ….?

– da je u Rijeci 1909. godine snimljen prvi hrvatski igrani film

– da je prva TV antena na hrvatskim krovovima bila u Rijeci

– da je u Rijeci obavljena prva transplantacija bubrega u bivšoj Jugoslaviji (1971.)

– da je rt u Arktiku blizu Nove zemlje nazvan Rijeka po našem gradu.

– da je Roberto Bartini prvi Riječanin koji je konstruirao zrakoplov

– da je u Rijeci prvi put u povijesti fotografiran let puščanog zrna

– da je riječki manipulativni poštanski žig V: Fiume iz 1755. godine, najstariji do danas sačuvan poštanski žig na području Republike Hrvatske

– da se u Rijeci nalazi prsluk za spašavanje sa Titanika. Carpathijina (brod koji je spasio preživjele) ruta bila je New York – Rijeka.

– da je u Rijeci 1786. godine osnovana prva primaljska škola u Hrvatskoj

– da je riječki klub Husar bio prvi disko klub u ovom dijelu Europe

– da je Quorum Colours prvi i najveći hrvatski „underground“ klub

– da su prvi pravi R’n’R band u ondašnjoj državi – Jugoslaviji – bili “Uragani”

– da su “Parafi“ bili prvi punk band u Hrvatskoj, a s ljubljanskim “Pankrtima” i prvi punk Jugoslavije

– da je u Rijeci počeo hrvatski Hip-Hop

– da je u Rijeci održana prva speedway utrka u Italiji te da je utemeljitelj talijanskog speedwaya upravo naš Riječanin

– da je u Rijeci sagrađena prva bolnica za duševne bolesti na prostorima nekadašnje Jugoslavije

– da se u Rijeci nalazi najstarije dizalo u Hrvatskoj

– da je u Rijeci napravljeno prvo hrvatsko vozilo s oznakom “Made in Croatia“

– da Rijeka ispod naseljenog dijela ima špilju koja je proglašena geomorfološkim spomenikom prirode

– da je Rijeka imala svojeg Schindlera koji je spasio na tisuće Židova

– da je u Rijeci 1852. godine puštena u rad prva plinara u jugoistočnoj Europi

– da je Riječka tvornica konopa najstarije industrijsko postrojenje u povijesti Rijeke.

– da je na Pećinama 2 otvoren prvi sanatorij u Hrvatskoj

– da je 1920. godine prvi radio prijenos na ex-YU prostorima napravljen
u Rijeci. Prenošen je D’Annunzijev govor.

– da je 1949.godine u jednoj od najvećih sportskih nesreća svih vremena, stravičnoj avionskoj nesreći gdje je poginula kompletna momčad Torina bio i Riječanin. Tadašnji Torino smatran je jednom od najboljih svjetskih momčadi, koja je osvojila za redom 5 naslova prvaka Italije i čijih je čak deset igrača bilo u reprezentaciji Italije

– da je prvi hrvatski parobrod sagrađen u Rijeci te da je njime uspostavljena redovita putnička linija između Senja i Rijeke što se smatra početkom linijskog putničkog prometa na hrvatskoj strani Jadrana

– da je prvi zračni brod koji je srušen zrakoplovnom paljbom u povijesti bio talijanski ratni cepelin koji se je vraćao s bombardiranja Rijeke

– da je hrvatska himna napisana u Rijeci

– da je francuski pisac Henri Beyle Stendhal boravio u Rijeci

– da je Fiorello Henry La Guardia član Američkog senata i gradonačelnik New Yorka boravio u Rijeci kao američki konzul i igrao za riječki nogometni klub Atletico Fiumano

– da je naš Riječanin Pero Radaković 1962. godine na svjetskom nogometnom prvenstvu u Čileu, u četvrtfinalu protiv Njemačke zabio jedini gol na utakmici i tako osigurao Jugoslaviji 4. mjesto, što je njezin najbolji uspjeh. – da je Nikola Tesla imao sestru koja je živjela u Rijeci i da su D’Annunzievi legionari uništili sva njezina osobna pisma i ostale stvari koje su mogle završiti u muzeju

– da je Georg Ludwig Ritter von Trapp najodlikovaniji podmornički kapetan Austro-Ugarske Monarhije. pohađao srednju pomorsku školu i Pomorsku akademiju u Rijeci. Na porinuću podmornice u brodogradilištu na Kantridi upoznao se i zaljubio u unuku Robert Whiteheada, Agathu, te su se 10. 01. 1911. godine vjenčali u Rijeci. Šezdesetih god. Prošlog stoljeća snimljen je jedan od najboljih glazbenih filmova svih vremena o obitelji Von Trapp, Moje pjesme moji snovi.

– da su Riječani Gino i Oscar Jankovits 1937. godine dizajnirali, konstruirali, proizveli i testirali prvi automobil u Hrvatskoj. Riječ je o Alfa Romeo Aerospider. To je prvo vozilo na svijetu sa uklopljenim kvakama i svjetlima u karoseriju, prvi sa upravljačem po sredini, prvi s motorom postavljenim centralno otraga, prvi s vodoravno postavljenim hladnjakom… Postizao je brzinu od 230 km/h.

– da je u Rijeci, prvi u Jugoslaviji, 09. 06. 1969. godine započeo sa radom bibliobus, organiziran kao pokretna knjižnica za djecu i odrasle. Obilazi naselja u gradu Rijeci i okolici koja nemaju knjižnični ogranak na svojem području kako bi svim stanovnicima pružio knjižnične usluge.

– da je Riječka banka još 1984. u Rijeci instalirala prvi bankomat na području tadašnje Jugoslavije?


You find out much more about Rijeka, its history, the people, the places and news as well as take part in forums at:
http://www.lokalpatrioti-rijeka.com

Read this in English here

Karneval, mesopust – commentary

The carnival in Rijeka is over for another year, which for some has come way too soon and for others has come way too late. It really seems to stir up much the same reaction as marmite – people either love the carnival or hate it. Although the main procession on the last Sunday during the carnival is the most visible and most widely promoted feature during carnival time, throughout the whole period there are all sorts of activities going on: bell ringers, carnival parties every Saturday night, the city ball attended by various dignitaries, special carnival plays, exhibitions and concerts. One such carnival activity is the trial of the pust. If you were to drive through any of the smaller towns and villages around Rijeka during carnival time, particularly in the villages around Opatija, you would more than likely spot the rather macabre sight of a human effigy, or pust, hanging from a post.

Every year, each village or town’s carnival society chooses a figure, who is held to blame for all the problems that have occurred during the previous year. In 2002, when I spent a lot of time going from village to village to look at the different pusts, a very popular figure was Osama bin Laden, but pusts can be an effigy of someone in the village [like a notorious womaniser or gossip], a local firm or state company, or even a concept [like suspicion]. Throughout the carnival period, the pust hangs on its post in shame until Shrove Tuesday when a court case is held to determine its fate. In front of the whole village the pust is put before the judge, where the charges that have been made against it are read out. Just as in a real trial, defence and prosecution lawyers present their cases. All the villages have their own way of carrying out the trial, but a shared feature in all them is the merciless humour and wise-cracks directed at the powers-that-be, and topical issues of the day . The pust is almost always found guilty as charged and is then sentenced to death, whereupon it is taken in a solemn funeral procession, with people dressed up as a priest and funeral mourners, to a funeral pyre to be burnt. Again, the burning of the pust takes many forms – but perhaps the most interesting [and most well-known] burning of the pust happens in Mošćenička Draga, where the pust is tied onto a make shift rocket facing the sea and burnt. With its burning, all of the problems of the previous year go up in smoke.

There has been some debate in recent years about the direction the carnival is taking. Some people feel it is becoming too commercial, too geared towards being a tourist attraction and that as a result the traditions that lie behind the carnival are taking second place. When I was speaking to one bell ringer, he told me that he is not happy with coming to the city to parade in the main procession. He said ‘we are not doing this because of the tourists, we are doing this because it is a part of our tradition’. His argument was that bell ringing is carried out in the villages to chase out the winter and to welcome in the spring, and that if people wanted to see this tradition they should come to the villages and not the other way around. The thing about pusts and the burning of the pust is they are one such tradition that cannot be brought into the city.

Original post by Sarah Czerny 🙂

http://books-croatia.blogspot.com/2008/02/carnival-in-rijeka-is-over-for-another_07.html

Exhibition about coffee at PPMHP, Rijeka – design

10 exhibition panels about coffee and its connection with the city of Rijeka.
Exhibition was staged at the Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral in Rijeka (PPMHP), Pomorski i povijesni muzej Hrvatskog primorja Rijeka .