On February 17, the traditional Donjokaštelanski Carnival took place in Kaštela, Croatia, marking its 213th year. The event is known for its satirical take on societal and political issues, and this year featured a particularly poignant act: the burning of effigies representing Ante Pavelić, a controversial figure from Croatia's history, and Josip Broz Tito, the former leader of Yugoslavia. This gesture, performed amid various carnival festivities, aimed to comment on historical grievances and the ongoing societal divisions in Croatia.

The organizers of the carnival expressed that the selection of these figures for burning carries a clear message, advocating for an end to the persistent divisions in Croatian society and a shift towards a future that does not dwell on past conflicts. They stated, "It’s time for both Ante and Tito to be left in the past and for us to stop talking about them as they are no longer relevant." This ritual act has sparked discussions about historical memory and national identity, as such events often do within societies grappling with complex legacies.

As local figures and characters paraded through the streets, the main attraction became the effigies of Tito and Pavelić, reflecting how cultural festivities can serve as a mirror to societal attitudes, allowing participants to engage in a form of collective catharsis through satire. While it remains a topic of heated debate, the carnival reinforces the notion that communities can utilize traditional events to address contemporary issues and seek reconciliation with their past.