Bridging the gap between "heaven and hell" may seem like an impossible feat but the brains behind some triumphal carnival float concepts have overcome that obstacle and more.
The theme of one of this year's carnival floats, made by the Ċiċċo carnival crew competing in the A category, was inspired by the song St Peter's Gate, by Chris de Burgh.
The lyrics have been loosely adapted to portray a flower garden's gate-keeper at the rear, wearing a crown of keys, and a demonic vampire on the other - Ġenfern (ġenna/infern) was the name chosen for this fluorescent mobile float.
However, other than the inspired point of departure and the float's title, all religious connotations were done away with, explained Jason Busuttil, president of the Għaqda Parteċipanti Karnival ta' Malta, because of the specifications imposed on the floats' themes. Any satirical, political or religious associations have to be thoroughly avoided.
This inhibits the kind of spontaneity associated with the Nadur carnival, complained Mr Busuttil, who added that the Viareggio carnival revolved specifically around satirical themes and subjects. Other restrictions involve the height and width of the individual floats pertinent to the relevant categories.
Other obstacles include the costs involved in the creation of a float.
Although the government gives groups financial aid of €800, costs run into several thousands, so the realisation of the floats depends largely on the backing and support of sponsors.
Mr Busuttil also expressed his concerns regarding warehouses, claiming that the ones available for the use of carnival groups were extremely scarce. This problem, he said, would become more pronounced when Fort St Elmo is removed from the equation.
Preparations for the Ġenfern float started at the end of September, with an initial team of 10 workers, increasing to as many as 30 in the last month.
Over the last few weeks, these carnival enthusiasts have been literally working around the clock, with the hardcore organisers and workers (painters, welders, electricians, among others) sleeping, washing and eating in the trailers permanently camped around the warehouse.
The Ġenfern float, which was still "on the verge of being ready" yesterday, incorporates a number of elements which denote the perennial battle of good versus evil.
The metaphors abound. The sides have been lined with Snakes and Ladders, at the bottom of which pairs of fluffy and pointy gargoyle-like wings are attached to a couple of headstones, seemingly about to take flight.
This float is just one of the 22 taking part over this extended carnival weekend.