Five Days of Carnival in the Capital, Discover the Full Programme Here
Malta’s capital is set to burst into colour and spectacle as carnival takes over Valletta and Floriana from Friday 13 February through Tuesday 17 February 2026. With competitive dance programmes, elaborate floats, traditional performances and a grand finale in Floriana, this year’s celebrations promise five days of non-stop energy in some of the island’s most iconic locations.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, meeting friends in the capital, or visiting Malta to experience authentic Maltese culture, Carnival 2026 delivers a packed and dynamic programme.
Friday – 13 February
Location: St George’s Square & Republic Street, Valletta
Time: 5:00pm – 8:30pm
Carnival opens with competitive dances by companies from Sections D, B and A, followed by a parade featuring King Carnival, Company Floats (Section A) and Triumphal Floats (Section C). A vibrant start to the weekend in the heart of Valletta.
Saturday – 14 February
Morning Programme
Location: St George’s Square & Republic Street, Valletta
Time: 9:30am – 11:55am
A special Saturday morning Carnival event featuring Section C dance companies and a float parade with the King Carnival float and Triumphal Floats (Section C) — ideal for families and early visitors to the capital.
Il-Qarċilla
Location: Ordinance Street (adjacent to Pjazza Teatru Rjal), Valletta
Time: 2:30pm, 4:00pm, 5:30pm
Cost: Free
The traditional satirical farce penned by Michael Spagnol returns. A Carnival classic and a must-see for those who appreciate Maltese theatrical tradition.
Afternoon Programme
Location: St George’s Square & Republic Street, Valletta
Time: 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Competitive Section B dance companies take centre stage alongside Section A company floats. The programme also features Triumphal Floats (Sections A and B), the traditional Carnival local band, the band float and grotesque masks.
Sunday – 15 February
Morning Programme
Location: St George’s Square & Republic Street, Valletta
Time: 10:30am – 12:15pm
Dance competitions featuring companies from Sections C and B, together with the traditional Carnival band and grotesque masks.
Il-Qarċilla
Location: Ordinance Street, Valletta
Time: 2:30pm, 4:00pm, 5:30pm
Another opportunity to enjoy this iconic Carnival performance.
Afternoon Programme
Location: St George’s Square & Republic Street, Valletta
Time: 2:30pm – 6:30pm
A major highlight of the weekend featuring competitive companies from Sections A and D, alongside the defile of King Carnival and Triumphal Floats from Sections A, B and C.
Monday – 16 February
Morning Programme
Location: St George’s Square, Valletta
Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm
A lively dance showcase featuring local dance schools, competitive companies from Sections C and D, and special guests from Gozo.
Afternoon Programme
Location: St George’s Square & Main Roads around Valletta
Time: 5:00pm – 8:30pm
All triumphal and company floats participating in Malta Carnival 2026 join the parade through Valletta’s main roads , one of the most visually spectacular events of the week.
Tuesday – 17 February
Afternoon Programme
Location: St George’s Square, Valletta
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
The final competitive dance programme featuring companies from Sections A, B, C and D.
Carnival Gran Finale
Location: St Anne Street, Floriana
Time: 6:00pm – 10:30pm
The celebrations conclude in Floriana with a grand exhibition of carnival floats and various carnavalesque acts , a festive and colourful closing spectacle open to all.
