The article about proposals for future carnivals (The Sunday Times of Malta, June 9) has missed the crux of the problems faced in Malta during February, a month noted for its harsh and inclement weather.

I will not argue with the pre-Lent traditions but from an ‘expert’ I expected more accuracy. Vicki Ann Cremona has been selective in the etymology of ‘carnival’ of which there are three different explanations of the origin.

There are many types of ‘carnivals’ in the world. The Far East and other Asian countries have very long traditions that are not tied to Lent. In London, there is the recent tradition of the Notting Hill Carnival, held in August. Up to a few years ago, the ‘carne’ connection made sense, but how many today, expert or not, keep Lent in its original form? What is the point of being scrupulous about religion when those very same persons have forgotten what it is all about?

There is the world famous Carnival of Viareggio (1873) where in 2001 the town built a new ‘Carnival citadel’ dedicated to Carnival preparations and entertainment. On our part, the authorities have been doing everything in their power to cause obstruction to the few that dedicate their time and money to build floats.

During the times of the Knights of St John, carnival was an impromptu event, with masked balls and large capes and masks to hide the identity of the knights. The Church had always been against masked events as these served to encourage promiscuity. Big floats only started during the British rule and thus their tradition is very limited at best.

The idea of having different ‘carnivals’ must therefore not be brushed aside. Two or three carnivals (or parades) can, and should be, organised. I would highly recommend the pre-Lent carnival of masked balls and impromptu parades.

These types of celebrations are already being held in many areas around Malta and Gozo. Due to the weather, floats, dancing and other competitions should be postponed until later. The second carnival, a full-scale parade, can be held in July, as the weather in May can still be erratic.

I suggest the first Sunday in July so that future carnivals will never clash with established religious feasts such as Trinity Sunday and Corpus Christi. Such an event has to be advertised as an international celebration which could include foreign participants. There is also scope for a truly, properly and professionally organised parade in August to be held in St Paul’s Bay.

We should safeguard our Christian traditions but at the same time, we must not be lost in irrelevant rhetoric. Why must Malta always find ways and means to create a rift?