Carnival company members said floats were checked numerous times to ensure drivers had all appropriate licences. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Health and safety standards surrounding carnival celebrations in Valletta were significantly increased this year – with participants speculating that the changes were made in light of the failings that led to the Paqpaqli crash last year.

Several carnival company members told the Times of Malta their floats had been checked on numerous occasions to ensure the drivers had all the appropriate licences and that measures like first aid kits and gravel to spread in case of oil spills were all in place.

Many also said they had been subjected to breathalyser tests and had their floats searched for alcohol. In previous years, participants said, checks were carried out only occasionally – if at all – and breathalyser tests made only if people were visibly drunk.

One participant, however, said that despite being advised early on that no drinking would be allowed on the float, this rule was later softened to allow drinking “within limit”. This newspaper also saw a number of floats with alcoholic drinks stored on board.

Meanwhile, organisers said the number of ambulances and fire engines around Valletta had been increased, while crowd barriers were installed at several points along the parade routes to maintain order among the thousands of onlookers who poured into the city for the celebrations.

This last measure appears to have irked a number of participants. While agreeing that health and safety measures were important and had succeeded in making the carnival safer, some said the barriers had also detracted from the atmosphere in Valletta.

“It was a bit disappointing for us, because it took away from some of the excitement we’re used to,” said Jeremy Mercieca from the Dreamteam Carnival Company.

“Merchants Street was closed for some time, and we ended up stuck there for a couple of hours without sound or any of the atmosphere weusually enjoy.”

Nevertheless, Mr Mercieca andothers generally praised the organisation of the event, with many adding that the good weather had also helped proceedings. Despite early reports of some wind damage to floats on Friday, the weather held up over the weekend, and nobody reported any damage from the short burst of rain early yesterday morning.

The carnival programme, which began last Thursday, comes to an end today with the final défilé.

Artistic director Jason Busuttil yesterday described this year’s celebrations a success, highlighting the improved quality of costumes and floats and the increased number of participants in the float competition.

“Valletta was bursting with people throughout the weekend,” Mr Busuttil said. “Even today [Monday], when numbers usually dwindle as people return to work, St George’s Square remained packed.”