What’s better than a Barack Obama-style selfie with a politician? Why, naturally, it is a selfie snapped along with the caricaturised double of a politician.
Despite the morning rain and the somewhat gloomy weather which cleared up later in the afternoon, Malta’s capital was transformed into a vivid feast for the eyes, as thousands flocked to watch the grand défilé and the grand Carnival spectacle.
Children dressed up as their favourite characters while some families decided to coordinate their outfits by adopting a theme. Even some furry friends got to join in with the fun, with their owners dressing them up in endearing costumes – a little spaniel was seen scampering up Republic Street dressed as a bumble bee.
Yet undoubtedly, the biggest hits this year proved to be the satirical floats and grotesque masks, which made their appearance following an 80-year absence.
The chairman of the Malta Carnival Committee, Jason Busuttil, explained the political satire was introduced in a controlled manner, with three companies being handpicked by the committee to bring to life the sketches drawn by Mark Schembri.
“This was done just for this first year. Next year, Carnival companies will have a free reign – satire can’t be called satire if it is controlled.”
The satirical floats and grotesque masks went down very well with the Maltese, who enjoyed snapping pictures and having a laugh at the caricatured figures of some of Malta’s politicians.
Many got a kick out of trying to figure out who the caricatures represented, with some turning to the items they held as clues. Times of Malta solicited people’s opinions, overheard enthusiastic comments and listened to sober judgements... and here’s a list of favourites scored according to the general response:
Austin Gatt - 11/10
The former transport minister could not possibly have been mistaken for someone else, thanks to the Arriva uniform, a blazing bus and a well-positioned mole.
Franco Debono - 9/10
Many found it no problem to identify the former rebel MP, mainly from his mobile phone – reminiscent of the heated exchange with Lou Bondi on national television in 2012 when Dr Debono’s phone kept ringing, despite having insisted he had switched it off. One cannot omit the outstanding report card of his 12-year-old self, the parrot perched on his shoulder (“I am not your parrot, Lou”) and the bow tie representing his political allegiance(s).
Claudette Buttigieg - 8/10
Many correctly identified Nationalist MP and former Eurovision singer Claudette Buttigieg, despite having the body of a chicken (a play on the meaning of her surname). Some remarked that, had her acyclic nails been an inch longer, she could have passed for former Maltasong chairwoman Grace Borg.
Giovanna Debono - 5/10
Many failed to recognise the former Gozo minister, asking instead: “Who is she?” The end result was in fact a radically toned down version of the initial sketch, which had depicted Ms Debono in a saucy outfit of a devil. Doubts were only dispelled thanks to the banner with the words “Aunt Giovanna” splashed across it.
Manuel Mallia - 10/10
The Home Affairs Minister was instantly recognisable sitting in a bath in all his naked glory. By far the richest member of the Cabinet, his wealth was symbolised by a number of $100 bills floating around him.
Konrad Mizzi - 8/10
An LPG cylinder? Check. A power station’s chimney? Check. A silver wisp of hair positioned bang in the middle of his brown head? Check. With all those pointers, the Energy Minister was another certainty.