As carnival celebrations kicked-off in Floriana and Valletta this evening, a float which was stored at Marsa was badly damaged in a fire. No one was injured.

The damaged float depicted a clock.

The float caught fire as colourful dance competitions were being held at the Granaries in Floriana and a parade, with the participation of grotesque masks and band, moved down Republic Street in Valletta.

The celebrations continue until Tuesday.

Gozo Channel said this evening it will be performing an additional trip early Sunday and Monday morning, leaving Mgarr, Gozo at 2.30 a.m. and departing Cirkewwa, Malta at 3 a.m.

Tomorrow

9.15 a.m. Parade along Republic Street, Valletta with the participation of dancing school children and band.
9.30 - 11.30 a.m. Children’s dance programme and defile in Carnival Arena at the Granaries in Floriana.
11.30 a.m. Defilé from Valletta Tritons Fountain area, Republic Street, St John Street and Merchants Street with the participation of isolated masks and bands.
4 p.m. Defilé in Valletta with the participation of the King Carnival float, tiumphal floats and company floats.
3.30 - 6 p.m. Dance companies show and defilé in St George’s Square, Valletta.
6.30 p.m. Carnival by night – live bands, street parades, street party.

Sunday

1 p.m. Grand defilé around the Granaries and the vicinity in Floriana.
1 p.m. Parade along Republic Street, Valletta with the participation of grotesque masks and band. Parade proceeds to the Granaries, Floriana.
2.30 – 6.30 p.m. Grand carnival show in the Carnival Arena at the Granaries, Floriana including dancing and float exhibition.

Monday

10.30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Carnival band parade with the participation of carnival bands, children’s dance group and isolated masks along the main streets of Valletta followed by dancing at St George’s Square.
4.30 – 7 p.m. Dancing competition and defilé in the Carnival Arena at the Granaries in Floriana.
5 p.m. Parade along Republic Street, Valletta with the participation of grotesque masks and band. Parade proceeds to the Granaries, Floriana.

Tuesday

10.30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Carnival band parade with the participation of carnival bands, children’s dance group and isolated masks along the main streets of Valletta followed by dancing at St George’s Square.
4.30 – 6 p.m. Dance competition in the Carnival Arena at the Granaries in Floriana.
6 p.m. Grand finale in St Anne Street, Floriana.