Gozo Carnival to be held over two weekends

The Gozo Carnival will this year be held over two weekends instead of one in an effort to attract more tourists to the island.

The organising committee (culture) within the Ministry for Gozo said this year's carnival will kick off on February 17 and come to an end on February 28.

The programme co-ordinates all the carnival activities that ordinarily take place in different villages in Gozo.

This has been possible due to the collaboration of several local councils, who agreed to shift their programme for one regional carnival to take place, the ministry said. Gozo Carnival 2006 will present dance, costume, floats, bands and mask competitions in the main streets of Victoria, competitions organised by local councils in several villages as well as folkloristic aspects of the celebrations.

New regulations have been adopted which have resulted in a considerable number of participants in all competitions in Victoria.

An exhibition portraying aspects of carnival will again be held at the Ministry for Gozo exhibition hall from February 11.