Bid to put satire back in carnival

Carnival will be getting an injection of spontaneity and satire from next year in an attempt to keep the spirit of this festive event alive.

A law laid down in 1936 and still in place has suffocated the spirit of carnival satire that was evident in the past. The organisers say they feel the need to slowly review the situation.

"Satire has to be done in a dignified and controlled way. It will be a slow process," George Zahra, chairman of the National Folklore Commission, said.

Discussing this year's carnival, that will run between February 16 and 20, Mr Zahra told a press conference numerous elements were being introduced.

The programme, launched by Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, includes more involvement by individual localities, carnival balls and a heavy input by the private sector.

There will be a street carnival party at Valletta Waterfront, a carnival ball at the Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana, exhibitions and ample fun for everybody to let their hair down and enjoy the moment.

Dr Zammit Dimech said the event was being promoted over the internet to encourage tourists to attend the events and join in the fun.

Carnival has been part of Malta's cultural calendar for over 470 years, having been organised for the first time in1535 by Grandmaster Pietro del Ponte.

Things have evolved since, but the organising team wants to revive some of carnival's ancient traditions. Mr Zahra feels this will be possible with everyone's input; especially encouraging was the young people's interest, he said.

For more information on this year's carnival one can call on 2124 5168.