Summer Balinjerada (soapbox race)

Balinjerada is a race of vehicles mounted on ball bearings (“balinjere”), from which the event takes its name. Originally created as a small event for the local community, today Balinjerada attracts numerous visitors to Opatija eager to enjoy the fun and excitement of the carnival season. As part of the event, spectators can see a wide variety of imaginative vehicles mounted on ball bearings racing down Opatija’s main street. With the active involvement of all tourism stakeholders, Opatija’s carnival has become a recognizable and distinctive tourism product.

This crazy ball-bearing vehicle race offers unforgettable entertainment for both the youngest and the oldest visitors. The Taxi Balinjera is a fun programme that allows all visitors and tourists to experience this unique ride on traditional “karići” carts. So put on your costume and come to Opatija!

The Summer Balinjerada will take place on Saturday, 18 July 2026. On this occasion, Opatija’s main road will be closed to traffic. From 18 July at 4:00 PM until 19 July at 5:00 AM, Maršala Tita Street will be closed to all traffic from the intersection with Radnička Street and V. C. Emina Street (turn-off for Opatija Port) to Slatina (former Hotel Zagreb). Parking will also be prohibited on all marked parking spaces for cars and motorcycles along this section of the road from 18 July at 3:00 PM until traffic resumes on 19 July at 5:00 AM.

During this period, city bus services will operate via Nova Cesta, while all routes will continue to pass through the Slatina Bus Station. Temporary bus stops on Nova Cesta will be established at: Vrutki, Health Centre, 40BOX, Spar, Mala škola, Veterinary Station, and Villa Andrea.