Carnival Fever Hits Valletta: Saturday’s Full Programme Revealed
Valletta comes alive with a vibrant mix of parades, performances, and traditional satire as the Malta carnival continues its celebrations.
Valletta comes alive this weekend with a vibrant mix of parades, performances, and traditional satire as the Malta Carnival continues its celebrations, running until 4 March.
Carnival fever kicks off today, Friday, 28 February, in Malta’s capital with a spectacular opening at 6:00pm. The streets of Valletta will be filled with competitive dance performances, featuring dance companies adorned in extravagant costumes from Sections D, B, and A. The parade will showcase King Carnival, grotesque masks, Dance Company Floats from Section A, and Triumphal Floats from Section D, setting the stage for a weekend of non-stop festivities.
Later in the evening, at Spazju Kreattiv, audiences can enjoy a theatrical rendition of Il-Qarċilla, the satirical farce that has been a Carnival staple for centuries.
With today’s grand opening setting the tone, Saturday’s programme promises an even more exciting lineup of events.
Children’s Carnival (Morning Programme)
📍 St George’s Square & Republic Street, Valletta
🕤 9:30am – 11:45 am
The day kicks off with the Children’s carnival, featuring dance schools and competitive dance companies from Section C. Leading the parade will be the iconic King Carnival float, followed by triumphal floats as the festivities wind their way through Republic Street.
Il-Qarċilla: A Classic Carnival Farce Returns
📍 Ordinance Street, Valletta (adjacent to Pjazza Teatru Rjal)
🕑 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00 pm, 5:00pm
Carnival wouldn’t be complete without Il-Qarċilla, a traditional Maltese satirical street farce that dates back centuries. Written by Michael Spagnol and directed by Joseph Galea, this year’s performance will see a humorous and often risqué take on Maltese society, blending wit, history, and theatrical flair.
Afternoon Programme: A Parade of Music and Dance
📍 St George’s Square & Republic Street, Valletta
🕓 4:00pm – 7:00pm
The celebrations continue in the afternoon with spectacular dance performances from competitive groups in Section B, along with elaborate Dance Company Floats from Section A. A traditional Carnival band will add to the vibrant atmosphere, leading the procession of triumphal floats and grotesque masks through Republic Street, carrying on until late in the evening.
The Malta carnival celebrations will run until Tuesday, 4 March, bringing even more parades, performances, and extravagant displays to Valletta and beyond. Whether you’re there for the dance competitions, the theatrical traditions, or the spectacular floats, this year’s carnival promises a memorable experience for all.
