During the Carnival season, the Maltese islands come alive every year with an explosion of colour, music, and joyous celebrations. This colourful ritual, which is ingrained in Maltese society, is a mosaic of history, celebration, and ageless traditions that unite the past and present.

Malta’s carnival traditions date back to the Middle Ages, when the Knights of St John brought the joyous occasion to the islands. Since Grand Master Piero de Ponte’s reign began in the Islands in 1535, carnival has been a well-known holiday. Extensive masked balls, processions, and theatrical performances characterised the celebrations, offering a brief reprieve from the hardships of everyday existence. Carnival changed over the ages as a result of shifting political and social forces. During Piero de Ponte’s rule in 1535, five years after the Order of St. John arrived, the carnival tradition began to gain widespread recognition.

Grand Master Piero de Ponte was dissatisfied with the number of arguments and fights, as well as the exaggeration by some knights during their feasts and masquerades. A week later, De Ponte made it plain in the general assembly of knights that he would not put up with any more wild excesses, particularly when they came from members of a religious order. His approval was restricted to sporting events and other military drills that Christian knights needed to practise before facing the Turks.

Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette thought he had to discipline his knights in 1560 for celebrating excessively. He had permitted the wearing of masks in public, which for the remainder of the year was outlawed in Malta. There was music, dancing, and competition unlike anything seen in Malta before as the knights adorned the Order’s fleet of ships in the dock. The sheer number of mask-wearing individuals who had been invited to enjoy Carnival on board the yachts and who had remained at the Grand Harbour in inclement weather did not sit well with La Valette.

Carnival in Malta had changes inspired by Victorian sensibilities throughout the British colonial era. While the opulence of masquerade balls persisted, the celebrations also included classy parades and social gatherings. The essence of Carnival as a period of celebration and joy endured despite the modifications.

Interestingly, carnival in Malta began to be concentrated in Valletta, the country’s capital, in 1926. Other cities and villages witnessed a drop in carnival activity, mostly due to the rules established by the Carnival Committee and the rewards it gave out for participation. Malta had a resurgence of interest in its cultural legacy in the middle of the 20th century, which included a reinvigoration of Carnival customs.

Nowadays, Malta’s Carnival is a magnificent event that takes place all across the archipelago, but especially in the capital city of Valletta and the charming village of Nadur in Gozo. A week of celebrations usually precede Ash Wednesday, culminating in a spectacular display of colourful costumes, intricate floats and the hearty pulse of Maltese music.

The magnificent processions through the streets of Valletta and Nadur are among the carnival’s attractions. Detailed floats with vivid colours and detailed patterns highlight the artistry and ingenuity of nearby villages. In addition, participants in the parade wear colourful costumes depicting mythical animals or historical figures, dazzling onlookers with a visually stunning display.

Since its inception in Malta, masks have played a significant role in Carnival. The custom of donning masks is still followed today, with participants dressing in elaborate and creative ways. Friendly rivalry is added by fancy dress competitions, which motivate players to show off their inventiveness and uniqueness in costume creation.

Satire floats with subtly, sometimes not so subtly, political or social satire are a distinctive aspect of Maltese Carnival. These floats offer a forum for the lighthearted and funny expression of public opinion, enabling the community to converse in the vernacular of carnival.

Malta’s carnival is an all-ages event that places a strong focus on kid involvement. To promote a feeling of community and transmit Carnival customs to the following generation, schools and towns plan celebrations and parades especially for young revellers.

Malta’s carnival is an authentic manifestation of the ingenuity and tenacity of the island’s culture, not just an eye-catching display. With its roots in history, the festival has evolved to become a vibrant manifestation of Maltese identity. Locals and guests join together in a timeless celebration that spans decades as they delight in the colours, music, and customs of Carnival. Malta’s Carnival is more than simply a yearly celebration; it is an expression of the islands’ lasting spirit and the colourful tapestry of customs that characterise its people.