Updated - Adds programme of events
This year's King Carnival float will have particular emotional significance for enthusiasts, as it will celebrate the memory of Charles Axisa, the creator of the King Carnival float for the past 18 years.
Mr Axisa died in a hotel accident some months ago, aged 59.
The new King Carnival float has been produced by his children and a group of 25 friends.
The work is dedicated to Mr Axisa and shows an image of Mr Axisa about to be presented flowers by King Carnival.
The king wears a ring with the word Dad - similar to a ring which the Axisa children had given their father.
Parliamentary Secretary Jose Herrera visited the workshop where the final touches to the float are being made. He paid tribute to Mr Axisa,
Replying to questions, Dr Herrera could not give a date for the completion of the planned Carnival Village but said the project had not been forgotten.
Mepa in 2012 had issued a permit for a Carnival Village in Coradino but the new government later identified a site in Marsa which Carnival enthusiasts said was more suitable.
Carnival kicks off tomorrow will celebrations in Valletta including the raising of the carnival flag at City Gate at 5 p.m. and a display of the traditional parata..
New features this year a National Maltese Queen Carnival Contest at Pjazza Teatru Rjal on Saturday between 8.30 and 11 p.m.
The Qarcilla humorous marriage celebration will be held on Saturday at 7 p.m in St John Square and at 8 p.m. in Republic Square, Valletta.
This year's carnival will also see the return of political satire.
Programme of Events
Thursday 27th February, 2014
5.30 pm The official hoisting of the Carnival flag at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta including re-enactment of the Carnival bandu by the traditionally dressed Grandmaster and soldiers.
Friday 28th February, 2014
5.30 pm Dancing Costume Competitions Sections C, B and A followed by King Carnival, Grotesque Masks , Floats Section A. St. George’s Square seated arena tickets €5.
Saturday 1st March, 2014
A full day of activities in various areas of Valletta from 1130 onwards
9.30 am Children’s Carnival with the participation of various dancing schools followed by a defile with the participation of King Carnival, isolated masks and Societa Mużikali Banda Maria Regina. St. George’s Square seated arena tickets €5.
3.30 pm Dancing Costume Competitions Sections C, B and A followed by King Carnival triumphal float, Grotesque Masks, Band and Triumphal floats Sections C, B and A including also Company Floats A and B. Participating also special guests from Notting Hill Carnival. St. George’s Square arena seating tickets €10.
4.30 pm Defile along the streets of Valletta with the participation of triumphal floats, bands, grotesque masks and special guests from Notting Hill Carnival. Simultaneously other Carnival events will be held in various areas in Valletta, till late; amongst which a live band by George Curmi il-Puse’ and friends at Great Siege Square from 8.30pm onwards.
Il-qarċilla will be held in various areas around Valletta, De Valette Square, Strait Street, and Great Siege Square. Carnival activity at Pjazza Teatru Rjal will also be held, during which a competition will be held to crown this year’s National Carnival Queen. Another variety show will be held at St George’s Square from 9pm onwards.
Sunday 2nd March, 2014
12.30 pm Carnival Grand Defile starting from Castille Square, Merchants Street, Archbishop Street, proceeding to the Carnival Arena at St George’s Square. After St. George’s Square the defile continues along Republic Street up to City Gate.
2.30 pm Grand Carnival Spectacle with the participation of Dancing Companies in Costume, Company floats Section A and B, Triumphal Floats, Grotesque Masks, the band Big Friends Guggen Musik, Satirical Floats, and special guests from Notting Hill Carnival. St. George’s Square arena seating tickets €12.
Monday 3rd March, 2014
10.15 am Monday Carnival Parade during the morning with the participation of various dancing schools and satirical isolated masks.
3.30 pm The last night of the dancing costume competitions sections C, B and A followed by the Grand Defile including all triumphal floats, companies in costume and floats, grotesque masks and satrical floats. Special reduced price for St. George’s Square arena seating tickets €5.
Tuesday 4th March, 2014
10.15 am Tuesday Carnival Parade during the morning with the participation of various dancing schools and satirical isolated masks.
6.00 pm Carnival Grand Finale along St Anne Street, Floriana with the participation of all items of this year’s Carnival and special guests from Notting Hill Carnival.