A Festival that Celebrates Artistry In Malta: Carnival 2023 Is Here
As the sun sets on the last day of January, the countdown to carnival season begins. Perlini and prinjolata start popping up in our local confectionaries and carnival costumes brighten up window displays.
The first recorded carnival activities in Malta date back to the 1400s, predating the occupancy of the Knights of St John. But it was during the reign of Grand Master Piero del Ponte that Carnival gained popularity with the birth of ‘The Carnival Mad Days’. Piero del Ponte’s reign is long over and today the carnival is organised by Festivals Malta.
Carnival is a festival that truly celebrates artistry. The craftsmanship and artistic skills of the participants are at the forefront of this traditional event, as can be seen in the magnificent floats and the elaborate costumes that parade the streets of Valletta during this time.
A few days ago, Festivals Malta released the concept for this year’s Carnival campaign. It was created by artist and illustrator Ivan Sciberras. Every year a different local artist creates a new theme for the festival campaign.
This year’s theme took inspiration from the Great Siege of Malta and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, represented by this year’s carnival mascot, a knight, who is in conflict with the Ottoman. They agree to put aside their differences to join the carnival celebrations, thus promoting a message for peace.
In 2019 Festivals Malta collaborated with Gozitan artist Manuel Farrugia who created a painting inspired by the grotesque masks that are synonymous with carnival costumes.
In 2020 the Agency joined forces with the Department of Digital Arts within the Faculty of Media and Knowledge sciences at the University of Malta. The project was part of a study unit for third year students, who worked together on a theme inspired by two historical characters De Valette and Grandmaster Lascaris.
Illustrator Julian Mallia known as Julinu worked on the concept of the 2021 edition, which was dedicated to Pawlu Curmi, il-Pampalun, a beloved and popular carnival veteran who has become a symbol of Maltese carnival.
Last year’s concept was inspired by current events with Covid as the underlying theme designed by illustrator Eric Leone.
Carnival is organised by Festivals Malta and will be taking place between the 17th and 21st February. For more info visit festivals.mt.
Which concept was your favourite? Sound off in the comments below!