Last year, in November of 2023, Pawlu Curmi passed away at 92, leaving quite the legacy behind him. Often described as the King of Carnival, Curmi was widely recognised in Valletta, especially during the carnival season. The exhibition, entitled Pawlu Curmi ‘Il-Pampalun’: Il-Bniedem, Il-Leġġenda’, is being held as part of the year’s Carnival activities. He was a familiar presence at these celebrations, adorned in the brightest of colours and wearing the broadest of smiles. In 2021, the official carnival poster paid tribute to Curmi, and a carnival float was created in his honour during the same year.

Born in Valletta on December 12, 1930, ‘Il-Pampalun’ was the 12th child out of 13, and the youngest of nine boys. He developed a passion for Carnival from a young age, by assisting his father Giovanni in making gory masks and carnival floats. In 1950, Curmi participated in the traditional Maltese Carnival celebrations for the first time. Afterwards, he established his own company, now known as the “Paul Curmi & Christopher Caruana Carnival Dance Company.”

From then on, he pursued and developed his profession in the carnival industry, getting involved in aspects like dance, choreography, and much more. ‘Il-Pampalun’ was a multifaceted individual with a personality who not only influenced Valletta’s and carnival cultures, but also carried a vibrant atmosphere everywhere he went.  Researched and curated by Mario Coleiro, the exhibition will examine the life of the man, the legend.