Il-Karnival: Malta’s Festival Of Colours Returns With Traditional Events And New Initiatives
Malta’s beloved Carnival is making a grand comeback this February 2024! This isn’t just any carnival – it’s a centuries-old festa that’s ingrained in our Maltese hearts, bursting with colour, cheer, and timeless traditions.
This year, it’s going to be more fabulous than ever, running from the 9th to the 13th February.
At a press conference, the Minister for National Heritage, Owen Bonnici, spoke about the importance of the carnival in the Maltese cultural calendar, not only from a historical and heritage perspective but more importantly in today’s times as a living and contemporary celebration. He also mentioned that the Maltese Carnival is an attraction for foreigners who visit us during this time.
“This year’s Carnival will be significant for the number of companies participating in the Carnival, with about 23 companies, a number that has not been reached in the Maltese Carnival since the eighties,” Bonnici said, paying tribute to the memory of Pawlu Curmi “il-Pampalun”, who is considered by many as the father of Carnival. This will be the first Carnival to be held after his death.
One of the key events this year is the Qarċilla, the street theatre tradition that was practiced during the time of the Knights of St. John and this year marks ten years since its revival.
This theatrical event will be launched in Ordinance Street (next to the Royal Theatre) free for the public with direction and production by Joseph Galea and writing by Ċikku l-Poplu.
“The Maltese Carnival has a very significant legacy. With what we will offer the public this year, we will continue to grow this traditional annual event. Apart from the large celebrations that will take place in Valletta and Floriana, this year we will also spread the Carnival to the locality of Ħamrun and for the first time in Żurrieq,” said Chairman of Festivals Malta, Aaron Zahra.
Frans Agius, CEO of Festivals Malta, spoke about the memory of Pawlu Curmi “il-Pampalun”, who devoted his life to the Carnival and always stood out for his celebratory character.
“This year, Festivals Malta, in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv and Heritage Malta, will be hosting an exhibition in honor of Pampalun titled ‘Pawlu Curmi ‘Il-Pampalun’: The Man and the Legend’, to be held in the Atrium of Spazju Kreattiv, curated by historian Mario Coleiro” he said.
He explained that the legacy left by Pawlu Curmi is a very important aspect for both the Carnival and the organisational team of Festivals Malta and said that there will also be a documentary aired in collaboration with Popolin, to be broadcast on TVM.
Also, after a 25-year hiatus, the traditional Maltese band, the band with the float, and the group of allegrija will reunite as they were seen a quarter-century ago. These groups will first be showcased in Ħamrun on 4th February, followed by performances in Valletta on the 10th, 11th, and 12th February.
This year’s event will feature a dance by children and adults with special needs, emphasising the significance of inclusion.
For more information about this year’s Carnival programme and more, visit the website or the Carnival’s social media on Facebook or Instagram.
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