Dancing And Debauchery: Are You Ready For This Year’s Carnival?
Dust off those costumes because carnival month is finally here! The festival kicks-off in just two weeks and Festivals Malta have seriously amped up their carnival game with this year’s programme of events.
Between the 17th and 21st February, Valletta will see a drastic transformation. Clowns and jesters will take over the streets from Triton Fountain all the way to St. George’s Square. Our bustling capital will see people in suits overtaken by a flurry of carnival costumes and people of all ages making merry at this year’s festivities.
But what can we expect for this year’s Carnival celebrations?
Simply put, the whole colourful sha-bang! Grandiose floats, intricate costumes and grotesque masks will fill the streets of Valletta. A jam-packed programme features five days of parades, competitive dances and much more!
Those who want to enjoy the show at St George’s Square can purchase a ticket from the Festivals Malta website; we suggest you buy your tickets right away as they are already selling fast! You can also enjoy the floats and spectacular costumes up close and personal, as they will be roaming around Republic Street and other main roads intermittently between shows.
Saturday morning will also see the return of Children’s Carnival. A family friendly show featuring competitive dances from children’s Dance Company Section C. This event is particularly popular with the little ones, so families should definitely not miss it.
If you want to party the night away, you can visit Triton Square in the evening on Saturday 18th, Sunday 19th and Tuesday 21st February where DJs Bjorn Bonett and Ryan Spiteri will be playing a set list of all the greatest hits. Entrance is free so if you want to get your carnival vibe on, then Ballu Tritoni is the place to be!
Apart from the main events happening between the 17th and 21st February, Festivals Malta is collaborating with other entities and local councils to spread the carnival cheer all over the island.
Over at Spazju Kreattiv, you can visit a free exhibition of past carnival costumes on display until March 5th.
Also, at Spazju Kreattiv on the 16th and 17th February, the Qarċilla will be making its grand return for just two runs. Tickets for this version of the Qarċilla can be purchased from www.kreattivita.org.
On Saturday 11th February, Ta’ Qali Crafts village will kick off with a full day of carnival activities featuring floats, parades and artisan stands. Sunday 12th February marks the return of The Ħamrun Carnival with marching bands and grotesque masks parading along St Joseph High Street.
Carnival is that time of the year when it’s okay to fool around and have some fun. So let’s take advantage of the opportunity where no one bats an eyelid if you’re wearing mismatched socks.
Use #karnivaltamalta to show us what you will be wearing this Carnival!
Il-Karnival ta’ Malta is organised by Festivals Malta. For tickets and the full programme of events visit www.festivals.mt/karnival
Have you sorted out your costume yet?