Carnival hits our shores

A plethora of activities is taking place around the islands to celebrate carnival this weekend. While several of the events are situated in the capital city of Valletta, as is customary, this year things have also moved further afield. Some old traditions which had fizzled out over the years have been revived, including the participation of decorated carts and karrozzini (horse-drawn small carriages) as well as band marches. Satire is also on the increase with a float dedicated to Malta hosting the EU Presidency designed by renowned cartoonist Steve Bell and constructed by the Maltese carnival enthusiasts. Carnival activities opened last Tuesday and a defilé of floats, grotesque masks and dance competitions is being held daily in St George’s Square, Valletta, until February 28. For the first time this year, following today’s activities which end at around 8pm, a street theatre performance will be held in St George’s Square at 9pm. B’Tal-Linja Jaqbillek (it pays to catch the bus) sees performers arriving on board a typical old Maltese bus for the play to then unfold. The audience can expect splashes of colour, song, fire and comedy interspersed with topical issues concerning the...