Heritage Malta is to host the traditional carnival qarċilla at Fort St Angelo on Monday. 

Il-qarċilla is a poetic farce in Maltese which up to 100 years ago formed part of the carnival celebrations held in Valletta and was also very popular in a number of villages. The plot evolves around a man, acting as a notary, reading out a marital contract to the bride and groom-to-be. The contract, written in verse filled with satirical innuendos, humour and sexual connotations, outlines the things that the fiancé and fiancée have to give each other on their marriage.

The original qarċilla was written for the 1760 carnival festivities by Cospicua poet, Dun Feliċ Demarco.

'Public figures' will once again be amongst the main protagonists in this year’s ‘marriage’, hosted by Heritage Malta.

The humorous and irreverent marriage contract has been updated and given a modern twist.  

Il-Qarċilla will take place on Monday at 7pm at Fort St. Angelo in Vittoriosa. The programme includes a short talk by Dr Olvin Vella about the linguistic value of the ancient qrieċel, a performance, and light refreshments. The brand new qarċilla, produced and directed by Joseph Galea, is written by Immanuel Mifsud. 

The event is open to an adult audience from 18 years. Tickets at €15 and €12 for Heritage Malta members can be purchased from all Heritage Malta sites and museums and online. 

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