Paul Curmi, Fino's featured craftsman

Ever since Carnival was introduced to Malta more than four-and-a-half centuries ago, it has been lovingly absorbed by our culture and continuously refined until it is now far more than an annual festival, but a significant element of our national heritage and pride.

Whereas most people experience Carnival for only a handful of days every year, Fino's featured craftsman this month is a man who has dedicated his entire life to this eagerly awaited event. At 78, Paul Curmi has been involved in all aspects of the Maltese Carnival for the past 56 years.

Quite literally born into a Carnival background, Curmi inherited the passion, skills, and techniques for building carnival floats from his father Ġianni. He has also inherited his father's musical talent, as well as his nickname Ir-Re tal-Karnival (King Carnival).

Apart from creating the most innovative and eye-catching floats, part of Curmi's work is also to create the atmosphere surrounding the float. This includes music, choreography, and costumes. For this, he draws upon his experience as a musician and composes the music that accompanies his colourful creations while they thread their way through his native Valletta streets, delighting all who view them.

Curmi's family was always tightly knit and even now it remains a dominant contributor to the Maltese Carnival tradition. The costumes used in his carnival dances and choreographies are made by his daughter Carmen, while her husband, Chris Caruana, has taken a keen interest in Curmi's profession.

His dedication to tradition and quality, coupled with his efforts to ensure that his craft is inherited, has earned him a place among Fino's celebrated craftsmen.

His work, and that of his peers, is greatly admired by Fino, who have recognised him as being among Malta's finest.