King Carnival yesterday towered inside the workshop housing it in Marsa, as heavy raindrops clanged on the tin rooftop, a reminder of the float’s arch enemy, the rain.

Clyde Axisa, the son of carnival enthusiast Charles, said bad weather has always been carnival’s nemesis. But this year enthusiasts are expecting to bask in good weather over the weekend, based on forecasts, after a long spell of rainy days.

Mr Axisa has been taking part in carnival for the past 35 years. This is the 18th King Carnival float entrusted to the “tal-landa” family and has taken six months to build.

Showing Culture Minister Mario de Marco around the workshop yesterday, he said carnival was inbred in the team of float-builders.

Dr de Marco commended the dedication shown by carnival enthusiasts and the hard work that goes into the engineering and mechanisation of the floats.

He urged the Maltese to appreciate the carnival heritage, something which the country has embraced for the past 485 years.

The ongoing road and infrastructural works made the logistics of this year’s carnival tough but the Minister said he was sure the celebrations would be a success.

Carnival activities start today and will run till Tuesday, with a grand finale in St Anne Street.

Due to the regeneration of the Valletta entrance, the route for this year’s carnival will revert back to that used in the past.

Some float dimensions had to be amended to allow for freer manoeuvring through the narrower streets, while floats accompanied by dancing troupes will tour the city through Merchants and Republic streets.

Carnival highlights

Today

• 6 p.m. Dancing competition and defilé on the Floriana granaries followed by a parade along Republic Street, Valletta, with the participation of grotesque masks.

Tomorrow

• 9.15 a.m. Parade along Republic Street, Valletta, followed by a ­children’s dance programme and defilé on the granaries at 9.30 a.m.

• 11.30 a.m. Defilé from Valletta Tritons Fountain through Republic Street, St John Street and Merchants Street.

• 3.30-6 p.m. Dance show and defilé in St George’s Square, Valletta, followed by carnival by night at 6.30 p.m.

Sunday

•1 p.m. Parade along Republic Street, Valletta, proceeding to the granaries.

Monday

•10.30 a.m.–1 p.m. Carnival band parades along the main streets of Valletta, followed by dancing in St George’s Square.

• 5 p.m. Parade along Republic Street, Valletta, proceeding to the granaries.

Tuesday

•10.30 a.m. Carnival band parade along the main streets of Valletta, followed by dancing in St George’s Square.

•4.30–6 p.m. Dance competition on the granaries.

• 6 p.m. Grand finale in St Anne’s Street, Floriana.

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