The weather smiled on carnival enthusiasts today allowing carnival celebrations to continue unhindered in several towns and villages around the Maltese islands.

Carnival this year included a number of firsts - there were satirical floats and politicians, not in flesh but in 'grotesque' forms parading down Republic Street. The traditional qarcilla is also being revived.

Celebrations this morning started with 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.

This afternoon, there are dancing costume competitions followed by the King Carnival triumphal float, grotesque masks, band and triumphal floats and special guests from Notting Hill Carnival. These are also taking part in a defile along the streets of Valletta.

Other Carnival events will be held in various areas in Valletta till late including a live band by George Curmi il-Puse and friends at Great Siege Square from 8.30pm.

The traditional qarċilla is being held in various areas around Valletta, De Valette Square, Strait Street, and Great Siege Square.

A carnival activity will be held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal including a competition to crown this year’s National Carnival Queen. Another variety show will be held at St George’s Square from 9pm.

GOZO

In Victoria, the traditional and spontaneous carnival kicked off yesterday, hosting various traditional folklore groups.

The antique streets of Gozo’s capital city were filled with the sound of music played by guest musicians and folkloristic groups in traditional colourful costumes.

This morning, the children’s carnival was held in Independence Square with seven schools participating.

An extravagant parade themed “Gozo: Colours, Life and Extravagance” was organised for the first time by the Gozo Ministry under the artistic direction of Felix Busuttil will start at 7pm in Republic Street.

The organised Carnival in Gozo dates back to 1952.