Carnival Gozo 2016 was launched today by the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo. He said that as in every year, the Gozo Carnival attracts thousands of Maltese and Gozitans to the different events across the island, "thus the Carnival in Gozo is seen as an important cultural event."
The Minister said that the activities during Carnival 2015 encouraged many locals and foreigners to Gozo. The Nadur spontaneous Carnival as always attracted thousands of people, while the Carnival held in Victoria was much larger last year, with a substantial increase in the amount of floats and dance companies that took part.
The Minister reiterated that the Carnival organised in Victoria attracts children and families with the entertainment held in a stadium atmosphere.
Minister Refalo stated that the purpose of the Ministry for Gozo is to continue to focus on the quieter months for tourism (shoulder months) to ensure that tourism increases throughout the whole year.
"The goal of the Ministry is that Gozo is a tourist destination throughout the year," he said. "After the record numbers of Maltese and foreigners who visited Gozo during the Christmas and New Year period, Carnival 2016 is sure to be a success too."
The Minister said that Gozo is ready, as it is every year, to welcome the thousands of Maltese and tourists who choose to visit the island for Carnival time.
Dr Refalo thanked all the employees of Gozo Channel, the Police and Transport Malta, "who are so crucial over this important weekend."
Minister Refalo thanked everyone involved in the carnival, "who work tirelessly and voluntarily throughout the year and all the committees involved both in Gozo and Malta who have helped the Gozo Regional Carnival Gozo continue to grow."
"The Ministry for Gozo remains committed to coordinate all activities undertaken within the Gozo Carnival, to make this a most pleasant experience and without problems or nuisance, despite the thousands of people who will be visiting the island," he said.
Present for this conference was Charles Hili from Gozo Culture, Albert Marshall Chairman of the Malta Arts Council, and Mgr Dr Joe Vella Gauci. Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Malta to UNESO and Chairperson of the National and Regional Celebrations Committee.
Photographs: MGOZ/George Scerri