Carnival enthusiasts are checking the weather forecast every hour on the hour to make sure their floats will be in good enough shape to take on the rain that is expected between Saturday and Sunday.

Carnival festivities started on Thursday and will run until next Tuesday.

This year’s carnival weekend is expected to be rainy and damp, with Friday’s forecast also predicting strong winds.

On Saturday, the strong winds will likely be accompanied by rain, and on Sunday, the temperature is expected to plunge to 9 degrees Celsius.

But the unfavourable weather predictions have done little to dampen carnival float-makers’ spirits, with many accepting it as part and parcel of their passion.

“We usually wait for the directions of the carnival festivities committee and move on from there,” float-maker Jesmond Goodlip said.

My father introduced me to carnival and now it’s my son’s turn

Mr Goodlip, 53, has been working on carnival floats since he was eight years old. For him, building carnival floats has become a family affair.

“My father introduced me to carnival and now it’s my son’s turn,” he said, adding that his son, Fletcher Cini, came out of his shell after starting to work on the carnival floats.

“My son is autistic and finds it difficult to speak to others, but he has a passion for carnival and works on the floats every day.”

Adding that carnival floats can cost up to €60,000, Mr Goodlip said that family and friends are dedicated to chip in to work on the project together.

“The material alone can add up to some €7,000,” he said, adding enthusiasts dedicate their free time to work without remuneration.

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