With Valentine’s Day falling right in the middle of Carnival week, visitors can enjoy the lively energy of regional carnival celebrations alongside a programme of Valentine’s-themed events that place music, art, food and village life firmly at the centre of the experience. From family-friendly daytime activities to evening performances and intimate cultural moments, February in Gozo offers variety without feeling rushed.

If you are planning to visit the island of Gozo during the carnival period, it is worth familiarising yourself with the Gozo Carnival events, particularly those taking place between 13 and 17 February.

What to expect from Carnival in Gozo

Carnival in Gozo is well known for its strong community involvement and its balance between tradition and creativity.

• If you are travelling with family, you will appreciate the colourful parades filled with flamboyant floats, dancers and performers. The main parade takes place along Victoria’s main street, concluding at Independence Square, where carnival companies present choreographed performances. Alongside the main event, several villages host smaller parades and street celebrations, often featuring traditional dances such as the Kukkanja. Brass bands, dressed in playful and imaginative costumes, add to the festive atmosphere.

• Dance companies remain one of the highlights of Gozo’s carnival. These groups compete with carefully choreographed routines and elaborate costumes built around a central theme. Inspirations range from folklore and fantasy to mythical worlds and imaginative realms, resulting in visually striking performances where colour, movement and design come together.

• Comic and satirical troupes also play an important role. Their performances rely on humour, exaggerated movement and playful interaction with the audience, adding a lighter and often unexpected element to the celebrations.

• Nadur’s spontaneous carnival, held after sunset, offers a completely different experience. Known for its freedom of expression, satire and parody, this carnival has no fixed choreography. Costumes are often improvised, grotesque or deliberately provocative, reflecting social commentary and current affairs. The atmosphere is energetic and unpredictable, drawing large crowds into the streets late into the night.

• No carnival visit is complete without tasting the Prinjolata, Gozo’s traditional carnival cake. This dome-shaped dessert, filled and topped with cream, nuts, candied fruit and colourful decorations, has its roots in pre-Lenten traditions and remains a seasonal favourite.