CARNIVAL IN VALLETTA –A COLOURFUL TRADITION

THE MALTA CARNIVAL RETURNS WITH A BANG, FEATURING A FIVE-DAY PROGRAMME BUSTLING WITH COLOUR AND CELEBRATIONS, BETWEEN THE 17TH AND 21ST OF FEBRUARY IN THE HEART OF VALLETTA, MALTA’S CAPITAL CITY.

Carnival is an age-old tradition celebrated all over the world, traditionally known for its vibrant colours, exuberant atmosphere, and satire. Il-Karnival ta’ Malta (Malta Carnival) is renowned for its grandiose triumphal floats, and its elaborate costumes.

Predating the Knights of St John’s occupancy, the first recorded carnival activities in Malta date back to the 1400s. With the arrival of the Knights of Jerusalem, particularly during the reign of Grand Master Pierino Del Ponte, Carnival shot in popularity with the birth of ‘The Carnival Mad Days’, during which knights and nobles hosted opulent balls in Birgu.

The commoners celebrated their own version of Carnival, who took to the streets and dressed up in sheets, sacks, grotesque masks, and colourful clothes. Carnival evolved throughout the years and was extended to five days of celebrations around the streets of Valletta and Floriana, which have become a melting pot of cultural activities. This staple event also gave birth to several traditions, some of which are still celebrated to this day, such as il-Parata; a dance representing the battle between the Turks and the Knights, il-Qarċilla; a farce about a fictitious wedding strongly rooted in satire, that is performed on the streets, and il-Kukkanja; a greasy pole challenge whereby par ticipants try to collect as many presents as they can while they climb up a pole overcoming the obstacles they encounter – although this is no longer held in Malta, it is still quite popular in Gozo.

Organised by Festivals Malta, this year, Carnival will return in full force after two years of abridged editions. The programme, spread over five days, between Friday 17 and Tuesday 21 February, includes various float parades and dance competitions, with the main activities taking place in St George’s Square, Valletta. The carnival parades will pass through the main streets of Valletta, namely Republic Street, Castille Square, and Merchant Street, as well as the Granaries in Floriana and St Anne’s Street.

As part of the Carnival celebrations, Festivals Malta will also be organising various fringe events; a costumes exhibition featuring past Carnival costumes and two live renditions of il-Qarċilla in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv, a marching band parade in Ħamrun, and a variety of activities at Ta’ Qali Crafts Village.

A modern element which has been recently added to the Carnival activities is the Ballu Tritoni, which consists of street celebrations in Triton Square. These celebrations will feature the participation of DJB and DJ Ryan Spiteri who will be accompanying these events with their music.

Make your winter stay one to remember with Carnival celebrations in Valletta.

For tickets and the full programme of events visit: www.festivals.mt/karnival

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