Children dressed as fairies, clowns, princesses, Spider Man, Red Indians and a whole array of other colourful costumes thronged the streets of Valletta for the second day of Carnival yesterday.

The weather continued to be kind as the sun blazed through the day allowing the season of merriment to be enjoyed to the full without any of the usual glitches caused by rain and wind.

Floats in fluorescent colours towered over the crowds along Republic Street. In the afternoon, dancing competitions were followed by a parade of floats and bands in the Carnival enclosure.

In Gozo, a parade in Republic Street, Victoria, was followed by a dance spectacle with the participation of school groups. Carnival was also celebrated in Xewkija, Qala and San Lawrenz, although it was the usual merriment at Nadur which attracted the crowds.

In Malta, Carnival was also celebrated at the Valletta Waterfront, among other localities.

Today's programme in Valletta continues in the afternoon with Carnival dancing competitions at City Gate and the parade which starts at 1 p.m. There will also be activities at St Julian's at 1 p.m., Ghaxaq at 7.30 p.m. and Valletta Waterfront at 8.30 p.m.

In Gozo a défilé followed by a programme with the participation of school dance groups will be held in Republic Street, Victoria, in the morning and the spontaneous Nadur Carnival continues after 8 p.m.