It’s finally here...Carnival in the Maltese islands kicks off tomorrow. The festivity presents the opportunity for countless back-to-back events in most towns and villages, for young, old and young at heart. Yet, the focus always remains on the capital city, home to King Carnival. For those who are seemingly at a loss of what, where and when of the different happenings, the following is a detailed schedule of events and activities running the course of this long and much-celebrated weekend.

Tomorrow

6 p.m. Dancing competition and defilé in the Carnival Arena at the Granaries Floriana.

6.30 p.m. Parade along Republic Street, Valletta with the participation of grotesque masks and band.

Saturday

9.15 a.m. Parade along Republic Street, Valletta with the participation of dancing school children and band.
9.30 - 11.30 a.m. Children’s dance programme and defile in Carnival Arena at the Granaries in Floriana.
11.30 a.m. Defilé from  Valletta Tritons Fountain area, Republic Street, St John Street and Merchants Street with the participation of isolated masks and bands.
4 p.m. Defilé in Valletta with the participation of the King Carnival float, tiumphal floats and company floats.
3.30 - 6 p.m. Dance companies show and defilé in St George’s Square, Valletta.
6.30 p.m. Carnival by night – live bands, street parades, street party.

Sunday

1 p.m. Grand defilé around the Granaries and the vicinity in Floriana.
1 p.m. Parade along Republic Street, Valletta with the participation of grotesque masks and band. Parade proceeds to the Granaries, Floriana.
2.30 – 6.30 p.m. Grand carnival show in the Carnival Arena at the Granaries, Floriana including dancing and float exhibition.

Monday

10.30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Carnival band parade with the participation of carnival bands, children’s dance group and isolated masks along the main streets of Valletta followed by dancing at St George’s Square.
4.30 – 7 p.m. Dancing competition and defilé in the Carnival Arena at the Granaries in Floriana.
5 p.m. Parade along Republic Street, Valletta with the participation of grotesque masks and band. Parade proceeds to the Granaries, Floriana.

Tuesday

10.30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Carnival band parade with the participation of carnival bands, children’s dance group and isolated masks along the main streets of Valletta followed by dancing at St George’s Square.
4.30 – 6 p.m. Dance competition in the Carnival Arena at the Granaries in Floriana.
6 p.m. Grand finale in St Anne Street, Floriana.

• Tickets for the seated section may be obtained by phone on 2124 4568 , online: www.maltaculture.com or by e-mail: info@maltaculture.com