Embracing Tradition: Celebrating Carnival Beyond Valletta’s Walls
Celebrating the Carnival in smaller villages outside Valletta carries immense cultural significance, emphasising the importance of local expression and heritage across the island.
On Thursday, 8th February, Żurrieq will witness the Carnival’s inaugural celebration, highlighting the rich tapestry of culture in smaller communities.
Simultaneously, in Valletta, the grand preparations for the Carnival are underway, showcasing the vibrant and diverse cultural expressions of the Maltese people.
The Minister for National Heritage Owen Bonnici, stressed the value of nurturing culture in localities like Żurrieq, where the Carnival’s debut is set to take place this year. “As we wrap up preparations for the Carnival, it brings immense joy to see culture thriving in the heart of our smaller towns and villages,” he said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, commended Festivals Malta’s initiative to rejuvenate the traditional Carnival celebration in smaller localities, emphasising its inclusive and accessible nature.
“Through this initiative in collaboration with the Żurrieq Local Council, we are making the Carnival festival more accessible to everyone, as it steps out of Valletta and Floriana, venturing into our cherished communities,” she explained.
Chairperson of Festivals Malta, Aaron Zahra, underlined that this year’s Żurrieq Carnival celebration is a testament to the agency’s commitment to spreading cultural activities beyond the established cultural hubs. “We are delighted that, with the Żurrieq Local Council’s cooperation, we are presenting a fresh perspective on the Malta Carnival in the early days of our beautiful island.”
CEO of Festivals Malta, Frans Agius, emphasised that through the Żurrieq Carnival, the event is connecting with new communities and showcasing its diverse cultural elements on a scale previously unexplored. This move amplifies the celebration’s cultural significance and ensures that the spirit of Carnival extends far beyond Valletta, enriching the cultural fabric of Malta.
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