It’s Carnival!

Malta carnivals are out of this world, and particularly in Valletta. Lasting for 5 days, incredible floats and people in costumes parade through the streets night and day. Sometimes there are marching bands, more often blaring, tinny music and the carnival song repeats over and over from speakers down the main thoroughfare. There are dancing competitions in St George’s square and float judging too.

The first evening, the vehicle floats couldn’t be used because of strong winds, but I think we got a better view of the costumes when everyone was walking.

Subsequent days and nights the floats were out in force. Sometimes we couldn’t get near because of the crowds, but we found a quiet corner where there were fewer people and we got a good view of them negotiating a corner. Floats are divided into different categories based on size and the number of moving parts. Most are enormous and require a team of ‘spotters’ to help the driver guide them round the narrow streets and tight corners of the city.

https://video.wixstatic.com/https://video.wixstatic.com/video/d19798_ab9fd5a131004dca9dce7e3cc20d8217/file

Those not taking part still dress up in costumes or masks. Racheal and Summer joined in.

We had managed to get tickets for the grand finale in St George’s Square, but sadly the last night was completely cancelled due to high winds. We were all disappointed, and Racheal let us know that even an evening walk was not going to make up for missing the show!