Malta Carnival 2008 kicks off at 6 p.m. today, with Carnival dancing competitions at Freedom Square, Valletta, including a spectacular defilé, the King Carnival float, grotesque bands and masks.

Enclosure tickets today cost €3.50 (Lm1.50).

According to the national progamme of activities, tomorrow is packed with events, starting off with the children's Carnival at Freedom Square at 9.30 a.m., which includes children's dances, a floats defilé and merriment along Republic Street, Valletta, including the entrance of floats at Freedom Square. Tickets for the enclosure are €4.50 (Lm1.94).

At 5.30 p.m., the carnival dancing competitions will be held at Freedom Square, again including a spectacular Gran Defilé with the participation of the King Carnival float, triumphal and company floats along Merchants Street, St John Street and Republic Street, followed by the entrance of the defilé at Freedom Square. Enclosure tickets cost €7 (Lm3).

Activities on Sunday start at 2 p.m., with the selection of the carnival dancing competitions at Freedom Square, including a spectacular Gran Defilé along the main streets of Valletta, followed by the entrance at Freedom Square. Enclosure tickets cost €8 (Lm3.44).

On Monday at 5.30 p.m., Carnival dancing competitions will again be held at Freedom Square, costing €3.50 (Lm1.50) for the enclosure, while on the last day, Tuesday, the Gran Defilé show at Freedom Square starts at 4 p.m. It also includes the participation of the King Carnival float, triumphal and company floats along the streets of Valletta, with enclosure tickets costing €3.50 (Lm1.50).

The events culminate in the Gran Finale at St Anne Street in Floriana at 6.30 p.m.

Ticket information may be obtained via e-mail noelsmut@maltaculture.com.