The Venice Carnival Is Coming To The MCC, And You’re Invited!
Although it feels like just yesterday that we were ringing in the new year, February is just around the corner and with it some big events that we are already excited about.
If you love Carnival and want to kick your celebrations up a notch, you need to listen up. This year’s Carnival promises to be bigger and better than ever as Malta’s Baroque Carnival makes its grand comeback.
That’s right, the Carne Vale Gran Ballo in Maschera is the latest addition to Malta’s jam-packed Carnival event programme, and we’re answering all your questions about the event, right here, right now.
Where is the best place to celebrate Carnival in Malta?
There’s a lot going on around the islands this time of the year, with street parties and parades taking over Malta and Gozo throughout Carnival weekend.
However, it’s safe to say that the best place to soak up the Carnival atmosphere is Malta’s capital city.
Valletta transforms into a vibrant sea of colour as performers dressed in extravagant costumes take to the streets to entertain onlookers by parading alongside marching bands and dancing on colourful floats, which are crafted from cardboard and papier-mâché.
The highlight of the events schedule in Valletta this year though will undoubtedly be the Venetian-inspired Carne Vale Gran Ballo in Maschera, which will be returning to Malta’s Carnival event programme after a few years’ absence due to the COVID pandemic.
What is the Carne Vale Gran Ballo?
While Carnival is typically targeted at younger children, this particular event is quite the opposite. Carne Vale is a strictly adults-only soirée, so the little ones are going to have to sit this one out.
Inspired by the splendour of the centuries-old Venice Carnival, as well as Dante’s epic Divine Comedy, the Carne Vale Gran Ballo in Maschera promises attendees a night of opulence and indulgence – think acrobatic performers, burlesque dancers, actors and more.
Honestly, we don’t know what we’re looking forward to most – whether it’s soaking up every second of the mesmerising live performances or enjoying every bite of the 4-course gala dinner, whose menu was specifically curated for this event by Michelin-starred Maltese chef Kevin Bonello.
When and where is the event taking place?
The highly anticipated Carne Vale Gran Ballo in Maschera will take place on Saturday 18th February. The exclusive event will be staged against an equally remarkable backdrop; the Mediterranean Conference Centre, also known as the Sacra Infermeria, which sits right across Valletta’s magnificent Grand Harbour.
While doors open at 7pm, the event will kick off at 7.30pm as guests are offered a welcome drink together with some delectable canapés, and are ushered through the grand halls of the Mediterranean Conference Centre to acquaint themselves with the extravagant setup.
Foodies can then look forward to sitting back inside the impressive dinner hall and enjoying a lavish 4-course dinner with superior wine pairing. Get a sneak peek at the menu which is being catered by Xara here. All while enjoying theatrical performances which will be showcased on the main stage (and which attendees will also get to be a part of).
Then, it’s time to wear your mask, take to the dance floor and put those dancing shoes to the test. If you need a little Dutch courage to get you going, you’ll be happy to hear that there will also be an open bar between 11pm and 2am. Cheers to that!
What’s the dress code?
Two words: All. Out. The official event dress code is Black Tie or Historical or Period Costume, so whether you’re renting, buying, thrifting or wearing something you already own, the one rule you need to follow is to dress to the nines.
Don’t shy away from sumptuous fabrics, vibrant colours, or elaborate embellishments in embroidery and lace.
As the name Gran Ballo in Maschera implies, masks are also mandatory and, given that this is a Venetian-inspired ball, we’d suggest sticking to the more traditional Venetian masks for this event.
From the intricate Colombina, which is a woman’s mask covering just the eye, cheek and nose area, to the instantly recognisable Bauta mask, which is traditionally worn with the Casanova costume, you’re bound to find a Venetian mask which fits your style perfectly.
How do I get a ticket?
Given that a very limited number of tables, each seating 10 people, will be set up at the venue, we’d suggest booking your tickets ASAP to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost €150 each and are available for purchase here.
And here’s another piece of good news. If you book tickets for a group of ten or more people, one of the tickets will be free, compliments of the MCC.
For more information about the event, you can follow Carne Vale’s official Facebook event page and the Carne Vale official website. Alternatively, you can send an email on [email protected] or call on 21243840 / 25595332 (Mondays to Fridays between 8am and 4pm).
Well then what more can we say? CARNE VALE, Il-Gran Ballo In Maschera is going to be simply unmissable. Oh, just one last thing – Viva, viva l-Karnival!
Are you going to the ball?