Description
Carnival in Malta falls right before Lent, usually at the end of February.
The festivities are characterised by colourful floats on vans and lorries for the Carnival procession, children wearing fancy costumes parading in Valletta.
Carnival in Malta is an old tradition that dates back to the Knights of St John who introduced strength competitions and carnival balls and added to Maltese traditions.
Carnival in Malta has grown in popularity over the decades and is enjoyed by people of all ages today. The celebrations revolve around merriment, spontaneity, and just having fun.
Wild costumes, colourful floats, parades and processions, fun and music, dancing and children’s laughter are all prominent in Valletta during Carnival week.
Carnival in the capital always includes marching bands, children and youths in costumes roaming around the historic streets and dance groups performing in St George’s Square where families and friends can enjoy the show.
Prizes are awarded for the best costumes, artistic dances, grotesque masks and floats.
Although Valletta and Floriana set the main stage for Carnival celebrations, other localities in Malta and Gozo organise festivities of their own.
The most notable, or in some people’s eyes most notorious, celebration is the Nadur Carnival, which has grown in popularity in recent years.
The Gozo town becomes one big street party for several days as thousands of people flock to Gozo from Malta to make the most of the celebrations.
