Carnival crowds defy weather

Carnival floats started finally heading to Valletta early yesterday evening after Friday’s move to the capital was postponed due to bad weather.

Most participants have been moving the floats outdoors since last Sunday but adverse weather throughout the week, including the odd hailstorm, wreaked havoc on the plans.

Parts of the floats are constructed in the stores but the entire float normally comes together outdoors because the buildings are not big enough to contain the entire structure.

Carnival enthusiasts at the St Elmo fortification in Valletta have been working to repair the damage, covering the floats in plastic and setting up containers to block the unforgiving wind.

Once the papier-mâché gets wet, the float cannot be moved.

But as the clouds started clearing yesterday, participants moved the floats to the capital eager for today’s carnival celebrations.

Today’s activities in Floriana and Valletta begin at noon.