The National Maltese Carnival

This year’s Carnival after 40 years, has gone back to its original place – St. George’s Square in Valletta. Thus, Carnival is back to its roots with the same enthusiasm and merrymaking of the past editions. This year’s attractions:

- Participation from Notting Hill, 

- Satiric floats and mask, 

- Saturday: a marathon of Carnival events till late

- The revival of il-Qarcilla, one of the local Carnival tradition of 18th century. This was a large figolla in the shape of a bride which used to be carried around in the streets by an individual dressed in costume. A notary would read out the “marriage” contract. This was also common in the time of the British reign, but with smaller ones which used to be carried in a basket.

For many years, Carnival has completely entrenched itself in Maltese tradition. It represents a colourful event, in which people from all walks of life participate. Carnival in Malta takes up five days before Lent. Traditionally this was the time to indulge and feast before sobering up for the 40-day fast which in Christian and Catholic tradition preceded the Resurrection of Christ. Actually carne vale marked the period when meat and other earthly pleasures could be enjoyed in a spree prior to the commencement of the term of Lenten penitence. In Malta the six feast days are celebrated almost exclusively in the capital, Valletta, even though one can find numerous activities in other towns.

Historically, this entertainment can be traced back to the early 1400s. Encouraged by the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (1530-1798), Carnival declined in the 19th century but managed to live through the period of British rule (1800-1964) and has thus been handed down in an almost unbroken tradition of about six centuries.

During the carnival days, Valletta bursts at the bastions with phosphorescent carnival floats. These floats are the mainstay of the Maltese Carnival. The "city built for gentlemen" turns into the City of Fools for the carnival days. Prizes are awarded for the best artistic dances, costumes, floats and grotesque masks. Before the Second World War, the floats often represented local political figures. In the 1920s and 30s the caricature of political figures often led to tense situations that induced the Government to ban such customs from future editions of Carnival. The Maltese Carnival does not, however, consist only of these floats. Throughout the five days of merrymaking, numerous activities take place throughout the island.