Carnival celebrations at Nadur

Preparations for the celebrated Nadur carnival are in full swing.

Chris Said, mayor of Nadur, told The Times: "During this time of the year, hundreds of residents will be busy preparing for carnival. We are expecting thousands of Maltese and tourists to come to Nadur and mix with the locals for these days of special festivities".

Carnival celebrations at Nadur have traditionally attracted local and foreign revellers. The grotesque, macabre, spontaneous carnival activities held every night on the five days preceding Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, retained their uniqueness by preserving traditional aspects that survived against all odds.

It is the only traditional carnival celebration still held in the Maltese islands. This year, the carnival at Nadur will be held between February 16-20.

Given its popularity, the Nadur carnival has become a blessing for the Gozo tourism industry in the quiet months of winter.

"In the days preceding carnival, the Nadur local council and its organising committee will be busy planning all details including those dealing with traffic management, safety measures, cleaning among other things," Dr Said explained.

He admitted it is no mean feat for the local council to welcome to Nadur about 50,000 people during these days. This demands that everything is planned to the minutest detail.

A number of complementary activities were devised over the years in connection with the Nadur carnival. However, the main activity will continue to be the carnival proper. This year the main event will be held on Sunday preceding carnival, with activities starting at 1.30 p.m. in the main square of Nadur.

The programme includes various competitions, dance groups and some of the best Maltese entertainers including the team Zoo, Sur Gawdenz, Joe "Id-Dulli" Farrugia, Joe Demicoli and Augusto Cardinale. Entrance for this event is free.

Tomorrow Zoo Comes to Nadur will be presented at St Peter and St Paul Square under a big tent. In the weekend preceding carnival, a big tent will be put up in the main square to host all major activities, the mayor said.

Two activities will be held on Saturday. The first will be the Miss Nadur Carnival 2007 contest at MBC Theatre. This starts at 7 p.m. and is organised by the Nadur council and the Kummissjoni Zghazagh Mnarja.

A rock festival will be held under a big tent in the main square of Nadur at 9 p.m. The Tenth February Under The Tent is a spectacular concert featuring Boot Led Zepellin, Ira Losco and her band and the group Fire. Tickets for this event are available from various outlets.

A carnival costume party will be held on February 15 at 9 p.m. with the participation of DJ Joe Spiteri at Mnarja Band Club and a children's party will take place at Nadur primary school on February 16 at 12.30 p.m.

For the first time, the Nadur local council will be holding an open day at the Ta' Sopu Tower, Ta' Kenuna Tower, and the wartime shelter at St Peter and St Paul Square. Everyone will have the opportunity to visit for free these three recently-restored historical places on February 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Carnival at Nadur is a busy time for all those who are willing to participate and enjoy themselves," Dr Said promises.