A group of 100 Gozitan carnival fanatics are disappointed they could not participate in this year’s celebrations because they were not allotted enough time to perform.
The Gozo Carnival Enthusiasts Association, made up mostly of dancers who have been performing for about a decade, was told that this year no performances could exceed 12 minutes, an association spokesman said.
However, the group needed at least half an hour for all dancers to participate.
“We are a carnival family who live for carnival but the conditions imposed by the Gozo Culture Committee in charge of carnival in Gozo have made it difficult for us to participate,” she said.
The problem originated because the new artistic director – renowned dancer Felix Busuttil – introduced regulations that, among other things, restricted the duration of performances to a maximum of 12 minutes, the spokeswoman said.
Times of Malta contacted Mr Busuttil who said he needed the go-ahead of the Gozo Ministry in order to comment.
We are a carnival family who live for the carnival
Questions were sent to the ministry but remained unanswered.
The spokeswoman added that the association, also known as the Bugeja Carnival Company, was made up of dancers and helpers who came up with choreography and made the costumes.
The group usually started preparing for carnival as early as July. All members, who were volunteers, dedicated a lot of time and energy on carnival and many spent a lot of money on their passion.
Last October, the group was told about the new restrictions and immediately realised it would be impossible for them to participate.
On seeing the carnival celebrations in Gozo this weekend, the enthusiasts were disappointed by the lack of Gozitan representation, so they contacted the media.
“We just want to ensure that, next year, we are given the space to exercise our passion. We live for carnival.”
Bad weather led to the cancellation of the Carnival Gran Finale in St Anne Street, Floriana, yesterday evening.