Carnival kicked off in a burst of colour on Friday evening as competitive dancers regaled crowds in St George’s Square, Valletta, marking the start of this year’s festivities across Malta and Gozo.
Performers took to the stage before a seated audience, many of whom embraced the spirit of the occasion with bright masks, wigs, and carnival accessories of their own. The lively routines set an energetic tone for the week of celebrations ahead.
However, organisers announced that no carnival floats would be paraded in St George’s Square, with the exception of the traditional King Carnival float. The decision was taken following the recommendations of the event’s risk assessor and in light of the prevailing weather conditions.
The festivities began under challenging circumstances, with strong winds sweeping across the islands. Authorities had issued a red weather warning on Thursday, later downgraded to orange on Friday morning. Gusty conditions raised safety concerns for large structures and outdoor performances, prompting precautionary measures.
Despite the disruption, the opening events proceeded successfully, with dancers delivering polished performances that drew warm applause from the crowd.
Weather forecasts suggest improved conditions for the weekend, with winds expected to drop to Force 4 or 5 and shift between south-southeast and west-northwest, offering more favourable circumstances for the remaining programme.
Carnival activities will continue daily in Valletta over the coming days, while Gozo will once again host Nadur’s much-anticipated “spontaneous” carnival, renowned for its darker humour and satirical costumes.
A cherished fixture in the Maltese cultural calendar, Carnival dates back centuries and remains one of the islands’ most vibrant annual traditions, bringing together performance, pageantry, and community celebration.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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