Early springtime on the Islands brings along carnival week, which takes on a traditional pattern; extravagantly coloured floats are perched on lorries ready for the procession day, children running around in fancy dress costumes and Malta’s main nightlife centre, Paceville, catching the late night carnival goers who pile into the clubs and bars, still wearing their outrageous outfits. The heart of the action takes place in Valletta. Freedom Square in Valletta is the main place for watching the open-air comedic and baroque musical performances. The Maltese social set does their thing at the Grand Ball held at the Casino Maltese. Traditionally the centerpiece of the parade, the larger-than-life King Carnival float, a mad grinning figure with a jester’s hat or crown. There are also various towns and villages across the Island that have their own version of festivities. In Gozo, the main activities take place in It-Tokk, the main square in Gozo’s capital Victoria. For a particular interpretation, visit Nadur, where carnival takes on a more sombre and mysterious mood. Carnival week on the Islands is time to let your hair down and go with the flow – ideal for those who enjoy a good party.
February is for Carnival
01/02/2008 to 05/02/2008
January, 2008
13
Jan 08
Carnival in Valletta
12
Jan 08
Malta Carnival 2008 (Valletta Celebrations)
31 Jan 2008 – 06 Feb 2008
February is Carnival time in Valletta, when the giant papier mache heads and grotesque figures come out of storage to be loaded on to floats and paraded through the streets. Not only Valletta but Floriana and the villages of Gozo, too, indulge in a Bacchanalian week of fun and frolics. Parades through the streets, bands, street theatre and entertainment make this one of Malta’s major festivals, and one which has been around for a while. The first carnival was organised shortly after the Knights of St John came to the Island in 1535. Carnival dates are traditionally fixed at seven Sundays before Easter Sunday, which in turn is fixed at 14 days after the first new moon following March 21. Hence the wide annual variation in carnival dates