Malta Carnival 2024

Don't skip one of the most exciting seasonal events in the country—the Malta Carnival! It's a real delight adding a splash of color to winter! The Carnival is celebrated in February and lasts for five days. The festival takes place across the islands, with the main celebrations in the capital, Valletta, where thousands gather to watch parades of flamboyant floats, music bands, and party-goers in bright costumes and grotesque masks. Besides the Maltese capital, the Carnival's main parades are held in some other towns such as Floriana (island of Malta) and Nadur (island of Gozo).

Carnival's program

Daily, the Carnival begins in the morning in the streets and continues in the afternoon and later also into the night throughout bars and clubs. Anyone is allowed to wear costume, cover their face with a mask, and roam around the streets during the Carnival. Also, you can find a special cake named "Prinjolata", which is usually very big, or you can buy a mini-sized “prinjolata” as a souvenir. The Malta Carnival is all about simple merriment, spontaneity, and downright silliness.

Shrove Tuesday & Carnival Gran Finale

Each day of the festival is special, with its unique morning and afternoon program of events, catering to all tastes and needs. But the culmination of the revelry falls on Shrove Tuesday, which is the last day of the Carnival. Brace yourself for a dance show and other festivities at St George’s Square & Republic Street, Valletta, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The Carnival Gran Finale with carnival floats and other carnivalesque items makes its way along St. Anne’s Street from 6 pm onwards. More info comes by the link in the External Resources below.

History of Malta Carnival

The Carnival in Malta is an old tradition, dating back more than six centuries. The Knights of the Order of St. John were the pioneers of the celebration and introduced strength competitions and carnival balls to Maltese traditions, which have survived till modern times. The Carnival in Malta withstood the test of time and today enjoys massive popularity with locals and an increasing reputation with foreigners.