Sun draws crowds to carnival

Fictional characters swarmed Valletta's streets yesterday as thousands of revellers made the most of a crisp sunny day to celebrate carnival.

Buses arrived at the terminus brimming with colour all day long, as excited children in colourful costumes leapt down their steps, pulling their parents and grandparents behind them. The dull surroundings of City Gate were bursting with people in the morning as they queued to buy tickets to the enclosure where a dance spectacle took place in Freedom Square.

Loud, upbeat dance music was more reminiscent of a rave party than carnival, as children and their parents packed the seating area.

Other revellers opted for an alternative and lined the area above City Gate, watching the dances from the top.

However, the highlight took place in the evening when the carnival floats made their way around the square and past City Gate, accompanied by dancers. A drizzle at that point put a damper on the evening.

In the meantime, hundreds continued crossing to Gozo for the celebrations in Nadur, where the carnival is known for its spontaneity, especially at night.

Meanwhile, Carnival float builders held a protest during the celebrations in Valletta yesterday in an attempt to put pressure on the government to provide them with alternative premises which they can use as workshops.

Doubts were recently cast over whether the annual festivities will take place next year after enthusiasts working from warehouses in Luqa and Valletta were asked to vacate the premises.

Marching behind the King Carnival float into Freedom Square, the participants were applauded by onlookers as they raised placards questioning the fate of carnival.

Similarly, carnival floats also carried similar messages as opposed to the usual merry slogans.

Speaking shortly after the protest, float builders association chairman Jason Busuttil said the demonstration was brief because the enthusiasts did not want to ruin the celebrations.

While entering the square, they were heard urging each other to behave appropriately because of the presence of thousands of children.

Displaying several newspaper cuttings, Mr Busuttil criticised the government for failing to build a carnival village despite supposedly setting aside the funds year after year.

"At this rate, we're not going to have a carnival next year," he said.

Similarly, carnival veteran Paul Curmi, who has been participating in the celebrations for more than 50 years, described the situation as a stab in the heart.

"Our stores must be situated close to the capital city, where the carnival should continue taking place," he explained. The protestors were joined in solidarity by other carnival organisers who were not told to vacate their premises.

The celebrations will continue until Tuesday.

kbugeja@timesofmalta.com