New activities, more attractions for Carnival 2003

This year's edition of Carnival will include a record 14 triumphal floats, Carnival Commission deputy chairman George Zahra said yesterday.

There will be five floats and four dancing companies more than last year, he said.

Speaking during a news conference at St James Cavalier in Valletta, Mr Zahra said more young people were taking an interest in making the floats for Carnival.

In a recent edition of Carnival in Viareggio, only two young people took part in building the floats, Mr Zahra said.

Carnival will be held between February 27 and March 3.

Anton Miceli, executive secretary of the commission, said that for the first time on Carnival Saturday evening, Valletta would be turned into a city of colour and music with two défilés parading along Merchants and Republic streets, one including the participation of floats and the other consisting of bands and grotesque masks.

Another first is that on Carnival Sunday morning, a competition for the best costume organised by the National Commission Persons with Disability will be held at Freedom Square in Valletta.

Traditionally, Carnival comes to an end on a Tuesday, but because the two political parties have agreed not to hold any political activities on Carnival Sunday so as not to disrupt the celebrations, the Carnival Commission decided to waive one day in return.

Nazju Abela, chairman of the Carnival Commission, said organising a carnival costs around Lm85,000.

Two German brass bands will take part. The Geslash Gugga band has been invited by the Carnival Commission while the Gnallshcoddn Guggemusig band was invited by the organisers of the carnival in Nadur.

Yesterday the Carnival Commission was presented with sponsorship by General Soft Drinks - producers of the newly launched Fanta Wild Berries.

Tickets for the carnival celebrations will be on sale from Monday.

Bookings may be made by contacting Alfred Tabone on 7904 7669, George Abela on 9986 9246 or on e-mail bobs174@hotmail.com

Further information about carnival may be accessed on www.maltacarnival.com and www.education.gov.mt/her cult/carnival.htm

The official carnival results will be announced on March 4.