Large numbers of Maltese are expected to cross over for the Carnival weekend in Gozo, which gets underway this evening, in Victoria and other villages across the island, including the popular Nadur spontaneous Carnival which is held this weekend.

Despite the current dispute between UHM and the Gozo Channel Company, which it is hoped will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion for both sides later today, the company is operating a shuttle service to help with the extra influx of cars and people to the island

The extra visitors will be generating extra business across the island in what is normally thought as a quiet time of the year for the tourism industry.

The programme of events for the Gozo Regional Carnival in Victoria is as follows:

FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2012

6:30 p.m. Carnival parade along Republic Street, with the participation of all participants in the 2012 Carnival Contest. Carnival Fun in Independence Square including dance companies, grotesque masks, and floats.

Admission to the enclosure will be by free of charge.

SATURDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2012

09:30 a.m. Parade of School children dance companies coming from schools from the Gozo College and other Church Schools along Republic Street, Victoria.

10:00 a.m. Dances by the same children in the Carnival enclosure in Independence Square, Victoria.

10:00 a.m. Parade along Republic Street with the participation of all participants in the Gozo 2012 Carnival.

10:30 a.m. Carnival Programme in Independence Square including dance companies, grotesque masks, and floats.

Admission to the enclosure will be by tickets.

Tickets are available from the Gozo Culture & Information Office, Independence Square, Victoria.

SUNDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2012

9:45 a.m. / 10:30 a.m. / 11:00 a.m. : Carnival band marches played by local bands departing from Castle Hill, St. Augustine Square & Republic street towards Independence Square, Victoria.

3:30 p.m. Parade from Republic Street, Victoria, with the participation of all participants in the Gozo 2012 Carnival.

4.00 P.M. Carnival Programmme in Independence Square including dance companies, grotesque masks, and floats as well as a display of individual costumes (children and adults).

Admission to the enclosure will be by tickets.

Tickets are available from the Gozo Culture & Information Office, Independence Square, Victoria.

TUESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2012

6:00 p.m. Grand Finale’

Parade along Republic Street, Victoria with the participation of all Carnival 2012 participants.

6:30 p.m. Carnival Programme in Independence Square including dance companies, grotesque masks, and floats.

Admission to the enclosure will be by free of charge.

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