A plethora of activities is taking place around the islands to celebrate carnival this weekend. While several of the events are situated in the capital city of Valletta, as is customary, this year things have also moved further afield.

Some old traditions which had fizzled out over the years have been revived, including the participation of decorated carts and karrozzini (horse-drawn small carriages) as well as band marches.

Satire is also on the increase with a float dedicated to Malta hosting the EU Presidency designed by renowned cartoonist Steve Bell and constructed by the Maltese carnival enthusiasts.

Carnival activities opened last Tuesday and a defilé of floats, grotesque masks and dance competitions is being held daily in St George’s Square, Valletta, until February 28.

For the first time this year, following today’s activities which end at around 8pm, a street theatre performance will be held in St George’s Square at 9pm. B’Tal-Linja Jaqbillek (it pays to catch the bus) sees performers arriving on board a typical old Maltese bus for the play to then unfold. The audience can expect splashes of colour, song, fire and comedy interspersed with topical issues concerning the environment, politics, language and religion.

A carnival costume competition is being held for those aged five to 16.

Helmed by veteran Mary Rose Mallia, the cast also includes Josette Ciappara, Marilù Vella, Clive Piscopo, Ronald Briffa, Jamie Cardona, Gilbert Formosa, Andre’ Mangion and Leigh-Ann Abela. The script is written by Simon Bartolo and the performance is directed and produced by Sean Buhagiar. The play will be repeated in Gozo tomorrow at 3pm on the carnival stage in Victoria.

Also tomorrow and on Monday is Triq it-Taraġ (Steps Street). Together with residents from the Duwi Balli quarter in Valletta, artists will celebrate and narrate the way of living in this part of the city. The residents have collaborated with Italian artist Federica Terracina and carnival veteran Godwin Scerri to create a merry atmosphere.

The activity includes readings of an original work by Jean Paul Borg inspired by stories of people living in Duwi Balli. Photos taken by resident Osea Tabone will also be exhibited in the street. All this is taking place tomorrow at 8.30pm and on Monday at 10am.

After last year’s success, the town of Ħamrun will celebrate carnival tomorrow morning, with at least five bands marching along the streets accompanied by a number of floats.

For the fourth year running, Il-Qarċilla returns on Monday. A 100-year old tradition, this year’s poetic farce was penned by Maltese poet and author Immanuel Mifsud. It is taking place at Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa at 7pm and is only suitable for an adult audience. Tickets to this event are available from Heritage Malta’s website, museums and sites.

The Ta’ Xbiex Marina will also be celebrating carnival on Monday from 5pm onwards. Mini-floats, grotesque masks, several dance companies, animators, costume competitions and other activities are scheduled to take place at the water’s edge.

On Monday and Tuesday dance schools will parade in Valletta’s streets with carnival coming to a close on Tuesday night with a grand defilé along St Anne’s Street in Floriana.

On Tuesday at noon, a carnival costume competition is being held for those aged five to 16 years of age. Organised by Arts Council Malta, the event is taking place at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta with the competition split into two categories according to age.

Those wishing to participate can apply at the offices of Arts Council Malta in Valletta during office hours. Participation is free of charge. For more information on this competition, call 2339 7036 or send an e-mail to mariella.a.portelli@artscouncilmalta.org.

In collaboration with the local councils, this year’s carnival is also being celebrated in the localities of Żabbar, Għaxaq, Qormi, St Julian’s, Dingli and Naxxar.

■ Seating is available for events taking place in St George’s Square, Valletta. Tickets can be purchased online from www.showshappening.com. Carnival events are also being covered live on state channel TVM on Saturday morning, Sunday from 2pm to 8pm and Tuesday from 6pm to 9.30pm.

Larger-than-life colourful floats are at the heart of carnival festivities.