Between Friday and Sunday Gozo Channel ferried 51,000 passengers and almost 15,500 vehicles on 256 trips, a substantial increase over previous years.

A considerable crowd watched the events held in the enclosure at Independence Square in Victoria.

Events were also organised in various villages by their councils in collaboration with the committee for national and regional celebrations. The spontaneous carnival held in Nadur remains a popular attraction, as thousands flocked to watch the more macabre aspect of the celebrations.

This year's activity was marred by an accident involving a 20-year-old who sustained serious head injuries after falling off a float yesterday week.

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech condemned the 'rude and offensive' behaviour of some people during celebrations in Nadur.

Speaking at the Ash Wednesday ceremony at the Gozo Cathedral, he said it was shameful that some people paraded along the streets dressed up as the Risen Christ and others impersonated Christ surrounded by the Apostles.

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