Your Guide to the 2025 Carnival Festivities in Gozo
From 22 February to 4 March 2025, carnival in Gozo transforms the island with dazzling parades, spontaneous revelry, and lively celebrations. Experience a vibrant mix of tradition, creativity, and festive spirit.
Carnival in Gozo is one of the most anticipated events of the year, transforming the island into a lively spectacle of colour, music, and revelry. Steeped in tradition, the festival sees locals and visitors alike taking to the streets in extravagant costumes, joining parades, and enjoying unique performances. From grand organized events to the famed spontaneous celebrations, the Gozo Carnival promises entertainment for all ages.
Gozo’s Carnival is celebrated in various villages, with Independence Square in Victoria and Nadur Square being among the most popular gathering points. Throughout the island, participants don elaborate disguises, while intricately designed floats featuring larger-than-life characters make their way through the streets. Festivities include live performances, dancing, and an abundance of food and drink available from street vendors. The Carnival offers a glimpse into the true character and humour of the Gozitan people, making it a must-visit event for anyone looking to experience authentic Maltese culture.
The Nadur Spontaneous Carnival
One of the highlights of Gozo’s Carnival is the Nadur Spontaneous Carnival, a unique event known for its unstructured and unpredictable nature. Taking place at sunset, this celebration sees masked and hooded figures taking over the streets, creating an eerie yet exhilarating atmosphere. With no rules or organised programme, this event is a raw and unscripted display of creativity, humour, and mystery, attracting thousands of spectators each year. For those looking to experience the unfiltered essence of Gozo’s Carnival, this event is not to be missed.
Nadur Carnival
Organised Carnival Events Across Gozo
For those who prefer structured festivities, several Gozitan villages host organised Carnival celebrations. These events feature traditional parades, elaborate costumes, and performances designed to entertain audiences of all ages. Below is the full schedule of organised events:
- Friday, 23 February
10:00 – Għarb Carnival – Visitation Square, L-Għarb
12:30 – Nadur Carnival – St Peter & St Paul Square, In-Nadur - Sunday, 25 February
19:00 – Żebbuġ Carnival – Assumption Square, Iż-Żebbuġ - Monday, 26 February
18:30 – Qala Carnival (Mit-Tfal għat-Tfal) – St Joseph Square, Il-Qala - Tuesday, 27 February
18:00 – Munxar Carnival – Church Square, Il-Munxar - Friday, 1 March
19:00 – Għajnsielem Carnival Ball – In front of St Joseph Band Club, Għajnsielem
19:00 – Xagħra Carnival – Nazzarenu Square, Ix-Xagħra - Saturday, 2 March
10:00 – Xewkija Carnival – St John the Baptist Square, Ix-Xewkija
13:00 – Xagħra Carnival – Victory Square, Ix-Xagħra - Sunday, 3 March
18:30 – Sannat Carnival – St Margaret Square, Ta’ Sannat
Gozo Regional Carnival Programme
The Gozo Regional Carnival features large-scale parades in the heart of Victoria, drawing significant crowds. These processions include lively dance performances, grand floats, grotesque masks, and an atmosphere of joy and celebration. The full programme for the regional Carnival is as follows:
Saturday, 22 February
20:00 – Parata tal-Karnival (Carnival Parade) – Republic Street, VictoriaFriday, 28 February
18:00 – 23:30 – Défilé Parade – Republic Street & Independence Square, VictoriaSaturday, 1 March
10:30 – 16:30 – Défilé Parade – Republic Street & Independence Square, VictoriaSunday, 2 March
16:30 – 23:00 – Défilé Parade – Republic Street & Independence Square, VictoriaTuesday, 4 March
17:00 – 23:00 – Défilé Parade – Republic Street & Independence Square, Victoria
Whether taking part in the high-energy street parties, marvelling at the artistic parade floats, or immersing in the spontaneous creativity of Nadur’s Carnival, Gozo’s annual festivities offer something for everyone. With free events across the island, families, groups, and solo travellers alike can enjoy the spectacle and experience the vibrant culture of Gozo. As the island prepares to welcome thousands of revellers, the 2025 Gozo Carnival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of tradition, community, and artistic expression.
