A Carnival with an identity
The Regional Carnival of Gozo, organised as we know it today, owes its origin to the early Fifties. Actually, the Gozo Carnival dates to the late 16th century, at the time of the Knights of St John and its spontaneous nature was rooted in the island's...
The Regional Carnival of Gozo, organised as we know it today, owes its origin to the early Fifties. Actually, the Gozo Carnival dates to the late 16th century, at the time of the Knights of St John and its spontaneous nature was rooted in the island's towns and villages.
With the setting up of local councils in 1993, Carnival activities have found their place in almost every village's calendar of events.
The Culture Council of the Gozo Ministry organises and co-ordinates the Carnival events on a regional basis, spread over two weeks.
The Regional Carnival, which is held immediately before the beginning of Lent, involves a strong participation by various Gozitan artistic groups. Altogether, these ensembles compete in eight categories involving various artistic disciplines - dancing, costumes, humorous groups, grotesque masks, floats, individual costumes and local bands.
There are various activities this year, culminating in an "explosion" of popular festivities during the final five days of Carnival.
The Carnival activities being organised in Xaghra, Xewkija, Sannat and Nadur deserve a special mention. Besides the revelry and spontaneous fun taking place in the evenings, this year a special grand Carnival variety show is being held under a huge marquee in Nadur today at 1 p.m.
Similar events will be held in Xaghra on Friday at 6 p.m. and in Xewkija on Saturday at 4 p.m. Worth noting are also the colourful Children's Carnivals held in the main enclosure in Victoria on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.
Carnival defilés which will march through Republic Street will be followed by an entertaining variety of dance and costume competitions on Independence Square on Sunday at 5 p.m., animated by the popular Zoo characters.
Local Carnivals will be held in Qala, Sannat, Gharb, Zebbug and San Lawrenz between Friday and Tuesday, February 20, followed by the late evening spontaneous carnival in Nadur, which has now become traditional.
Everyone is invited to join in these annual Carnival festivities, celebrating one of the oldest Carnivals in the heart of the Mediterranean, on the island of joy, colours and tradition.
Programmes and other relevant information may be obtained from the Culture Office on Independence Square, Victoria, or by calling the Gozo Regional Carnival hotline: 2155-6125.
Mr Sciberras is the Gozo Ministry's cultural co-ordinator