Carnival is one of the oldest festivals in Malta, dating back to at least the sixteenth century when the Knights of St John’s occupied Malta. New artistic creations are born while traditions are kept alive and revived, particularly with the revival of satire, a fundamental facet to the historical Maltese Carnival.
Today, carnival has become part of Malta’s cultural calendar and attracts thousands of people to Valletta to participate in this colourful and fun festival. After year-long preparations, carnival enthusiasts come together in a celebration of unity, entertainment and creativity. Parades are organised around Valletta with massive artistic floats and colourful costumes providing spectacle to those attending carnival.
Due to the pandemic, this year’s carnival has moved from February to 20-22 May. This is the full programme of events for carnival 2022:
- FRIDAY 20 MAY
Time: 6PM – 8PM
A programme featuring competitive dancing at St George’s Square Valletta followed by a défilé with King Carnival, Installations from Company Section A and Grotesque Masks.
Fee: €7
Time: 8PM
Ballu Tritoni featuring various Carnival Installations.
- SATURDAY 21 MAY
Price: €7.00
Time: 10AM
Guggen Muzik Band Parade – Republic Street, Valletta
Time: 4PM – 6PM
A live rendition of Il-Qarċilla at St John’s Street, Valletta (opposite St John’s Co-Cathedral) – an irreverant and satirical performance of a mock wedding that has traditionally formed part of Carnival revelry, penned by Ċikku l-Poplu and produced by Joseph Galea.
Time: 6PM – 8PM
A programme featuring competitive dancing at St George’s Square Valletta followed by a défilé with King Carnival, Carnival Installations and Installations from Company Section A.
Price: €12.00
Time: 8PM
Ballu Tritoni featuring various Carnival Installations.
- SUNDAY 22 MAY
Guggen Muzik Band Parade – Republic Street, Valletta with the participation of grotesque masks.
Time: 3PM – 7:30PM
A programme featuring competitive dancing at St George’s Square Valletta followed by a défilé with King Carnival, Carnival Installations and Installations from Company Section A.
Price: €15.00
Time: 4PM – 8PM
A live rendition of Il-Qarċilla at St John’s Street, Valletta (opposite St John’s Ci-Cathedral) – an irreverant and satirical performance of a mock wedding that has traditionally formed part of Carnival revelry, penned by Ċikku l-Poplu and produced by Joseph Galea.
Time: 7PM
Ballu Tritoni featuring various Carnival Installations.
Photo: viewingmalta.com
