February in my town...by Nevenka Erceg

Imotski-Croatia

February is the shortest and definitely the most unpredictable month of the year. In Imotski, February has two different faces every other year. The first face of February is shown when Easter is in May and, to be honest, during that year February is just an average month of the year. There are more people in the streets because the weather is better and there are more sunny days than in January. People flock out and enjoy the sun in front of the cafes which are situated around the central square. Farmers prepare their fields for new crops and it is really beautiful to see open fires all across the valley which means that the land is ready for new vegetables and fruits of nature.
The second and more exciting face of February is shown when Easter is in April because, then, February belongs to carnival groups which actually receive the keys of the town from the mayor and they begin to rule the town. Carnival in Imotski brings out the best in people because that is their chance to be relaxed and live as they want to, basically, they become someone else. There are a lot of carnival groups and they all work as one to make all the citizens happier and show them some other worlds through their masques. The most important day of the carnival is Fat Tuesday, the day before the Ash Wednesday, when all the carnival groups meet in the town centre and they prepare for the great procession through the town. Procession is the most impressive when it goes through the oldest street in Imotski called Bazana passing near the old fortress Topana. In that moment there is such beautiful scenery - vivid masques and medieval buildings seen through the foggy February sun. The end of the procession is really impressive when carnival celebrants read the indictment to krnje, prince of the carnival, who is responsible for all the bad things that happened to the town and its people through the last year. In the end, krnje is burnt and its fire takes away all the sins and bad deeds from the town.
In short, February is really unpredictable; it can bring out the best in people or be as simple as any other month. However, February is truly appreciated in Imotski, especially because of its sunny days mixed with fresh waves of northern winds. February opens the door for spring and it really means a lot for farming which is widespread activity in Imotski.