‘Malta Lost The Father Of Carnival’: Tributes Flood In For Beloved Pawlu Il-Pampalun
Tributes are flooding in across social media this morning for Pawlu Curmi ‘Il-Pampalun’ as Malta reels from the news of his passing at age 92.
Known and highly regarded as Malta’s father of Carnival, many have expressed their fondest memories with the Valletta resident, who was always at the centre of Carnival and football celebrations in the capital city.
From his own family members, to even world leaders such as Roberta Metsola, Pawlu is being remembered today in tributes and fond reminiscing.
“The King of Carnival. Always with a smile, always cheerful. Always at the forefront, with costumes, dance, and song. Carnival can never be the same without Pawlu Il-Pampalun. Rest in peace, Paul. Thank you,” European Parliament President Metsola wrote on Facebook.
“You will always be remembered for the joy you brought to the Valletta and Maltese community through the Malta Carnival. The legacy you left behind will remain in our hearts. We mourn deeply,” Deputy Valletta Mayor Ray Azzopardi expressed.
“Many considered him the father of Carnival. Art and creativity also shone in the speeches we had on Republic Street in Valletta and in some Carnival venues. During visits I’ve made to the Carnival warehouse, they always remembered you and held you in great respect,” Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech wrote.
“May the love for art and creativity that you instilled in our children continue to be nurtured and supported.”
“Malta’s Carnival has lost one of its legends. Certainly, Malta’s Carnival will not be the same without Il-Pampalun, but it is certain that the extraordinary artistic legacy he left behind will continue to serve as a solid foundation, just like a rock, for this artistic expression to thrive further even after his passing,” Culture Minister Owen Bonnici expressed.
“Today, Malta has lost its Carnival King. I cherish every moment we worked together in the past. I will always remember you as cheerful, humble, and sincere,” Shadow Culture Minister Julie Zahra said.
“Condolences to the Curmi family.”
“Today we woke up with heavy hearts. He lived to bring joy to others, and with his incredible talent, he helped us appreciate the depth of creativity an artist possesses to create a spectacle, especially as we used to see Pawlu perform during Carnival time,” MEP David Casa said.
“I have many memories of Pawlu. For someone like me from Valletta, who, since childhood, knew how many times they would encounter among the most beautiful music, dance, and art performances, Pawlu always inspired everyone with his energy and talent,” he continued.
“Pawlu, born on December 12, 1930, on Marsamxett Street in Valletta, remained an icon in the collective memory of what we understand as the Capital’s man: a genuine artist who embodied creativity in all areas that he engaged in, including Carnival, music, and dance,” the Facebook page Belt Valletta wrote.
And the Malta International Football Collection even remembered his memory, given that Pawlu was an avid supporter of Valletta FC, typically joining in the celebrations whenever they won.
“His name is synonymous with the Carnival activities and with the celebrations of his beloved Valletta FC whenever the Citizens won a Cup or a League title. He readily put a smile on everyone’s face,” it wrote.
Lovin Malta extends its heartfelt condolences to Pawlu’s family
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