The Malta Summer Carnival, held over the weekend in Bugibba, broke records not only in the number of companies participating in the defilé but also in the large crowds it attracted and in the commercial activity it generated, the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts said.

The Carnival, which was held after an absence of one year, included a defilé around the streets of Buġibba and Qawra which converged on the main square in Buġibba.

The activity included floatsthat were prepared specifically for this Carnival,  maskaruni, dance companies and the traditional ġostra (greasy pole).

Dance companies performed in the main square as well as during the parades in the main streets.

Stands with traditional Maltese crafts were set up around the streets of Buġibba.

“This year’s Carnival augurs well for next year’s Summer Carnival – both because of its great success and because of the public’s reaction,” said Carnival director Jason Busuttil.

“The participants were also satisfied with the way the Carnival was organised throughout Buġibba and Qawra and, all along the defilé, people and tourists participated by dancing along to the music coming from the floats. Buġibba’s main square also attracted the crowds early since the traditional ġostra was held in the bay,” he said.

“Based on this year’s success, we will definitely be working to make next year’s Summer Carnival an even bigger success.”