Nadur warms up for 'spontaneous' carnival

Many are those expected to take advantage of the anonymity afforded by a mask at next weekend's "spontaneous carnival" in Nadur to indulge in revelry that their position in life would not normally permit.

Mayor Chris Said, who is also a lawyer, admitted yesterday that until he became mayor he had always dressed up for the Nadur carnival - "and I will start dressing up again as soon as I no longer occupy this position".

The mayor said that he knew priests and politicians who dressed up for the Nadur carnival.

"Many professionals take advantage of this carnival to revel in a way their normal life does not allow them to," he said.

The Nadur carnival, characterised by grotesque masks and costumes, has become increasingly popular over the past 20 years and all hotels and other accommodation are fully booked next weekend.

Some 30,000 Maltese are expected to make the crossing to be present. This gave the council satisfaction: Through its carnival, Nadur was contributing to Gozo's economy while offering many a weekend of fun, Dr Said said.

Although the Nadur carnival has changed over the years, especially with the participation of people from outside the town - both Maltese and foreigners - it retains its original spirit of spontaneity and other traditional aspects have survived.

Dr Said said political satire was introduced a few years ago and although this was, strictly speaking, not permitted by law, it was accepted and enjoyed by all. Indeed, the costumes worn were often related to recent news.

As preparation for the "spontaneous" carnival, the council has for the past 12 years organised carnival activities on the previous weekend. For the first time, a large tent has been up in Nadur's church square where the main events are held.

This proved to be a timely decision because activities could still be held despite yesterday's strong winds.

The programme included competitions, dancing and comedy acts including Zoo, Sur Gawdenz, Id-Dulli, Joe Demicoli, and Augusto Cardinale.

The activities kicked off on Friday with Zoo Comes to Nadur, in the main square.

On Saturday the Miss Nadur Carnival 2007 contest was held at MBC Theatre followed by a rock concert under the tent by Boot Led Zeppelin, Ira Losco and her band and the group Fire.

Dr Said estimated that 3,000 to 3,500 people turned up at the main square but said there were many Maltese who didn't make the trip only because Gozo Channel could not guarantee that it would be able to operate the ferry back to Malta, due to the rough sea.

The council and its organising committee are now busily planning traffic arrangements and safety measures for next weekend's activities.

The events include a carnival costume party on Thursday at 9 p.m. at the Mnarja Band Club, with DJ Joe Spiteri, and a children's carnival on Friday at 12.30 p.m. at the Nadur primary school.

In another first, the Nadur council will hold open days at the Ta' Sopu Tower, Ta' Kenuna Tower and the wartime shelter at St Peter and St Paul Square. Entrance next Saturday and Sunday is free of charge.