Carnival kicks off in Gozo with 5 fun-packed days of events!

by Gozo News · February 5, 2016

Friday is here and Carnival fever is about to start across Gozo, with the forecast showing good weather for what promises to be fun-packed 5 days of carnival events aimed at all ages.

Carnival time in Gozo takes on a traditional pattern and visitors to the island for this very popular weekend will be welcomed with a riot of colour and plenty of excitement to keep all ages entertained!

There will be extravagantly coloured floats perched on lorries ready for the procession, children running around in fancy costumes, dancers, music and much much more…….

So take a break, visit Gozo and and experience some Gozo Carnival events that are planned for all the family to enjoy.

The programme of entertainment starts in Victoria this evening, with the traditional and spontaneous Carnival in Savina Square starting at 7.00pm.

Then on Saturday, it’s all about the children in the morning with family-friendly fun at Independence Square Victoria, starting at 10,00am, following that in the evening, before the Nadur Spontaneous Carnival kicks off, there will be a colourful carnival parade in Republic Street to Fortunato Mizzi Street, starting 6.00pm.

On Sunday, starting at 3.00pm, the Gozo Regional Carnival kicks off, with a defilé along Republic Street, and carnival dance performed by various dance companies in Fortunato Mizzi Street, with grotesque masks, grand carnival floats and musical bands.

Monday, at 6.00pm the Gozo Regional Carnival will get underway, with a Defilé along Republic Street – Carnival Dance Companies, grotesque masques, carnival floats, bands and Carnival Folk Dance along Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria.

The Grand Finalé along Republic Street, will take place on Tuesday, starting at 6.00pm, with Carnival Dance Companies, grotesque masques, carnival floats, bands and Carnival Folk Dance along Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria.

There will also be other carnival events taking place in villages across the island, including the very popular Nadur Spontaneous Carnival, from today, Friday, the 5th to Tuesday, the 9th of February. A unique carnival well known throughout the world. It will take place in December 13th Street and St. Peter & St. Paul Square, as well as the surrounding streets, beginning after sunset each day and lasting till the early morning hours.

Also today, there will also be an organised Carnival in St Margaret Square, Sannat starting at 6.30pm. San Lawrenz will have their organised Carnival in the main Square, starting at 8.00pm. With Qala starting their organised Carnival in St Joseph Square at 7.0pm. Then on Sunday, the 7th, There will be a Carnival Parade in Xewkija around the area of the main square from 10.00am onwards, with entertainment and events.

Carnival activities organised by the Zebbug Local Council, will get underway on Sunday, starting early afternoon at around 12.15pm, when the “Banda Santa Marija” of Zebbug will play joyful marches along the main street leading from the Band Club to the village Main Square.

This will be followed by an afternoon of fun and colourful entertainment for all the family to enjoy, several local Carnival dance companies will be taking part, mixed in with intervals of songs and music by other popular local talent.

There will also be a ‘Best Carnival Costume’ competition, in three categories: best costume (with foam), best costume (without foam) and best costume with mask. The Carnival festivities will end with the traditional “Kukkanja” challenge and fun for all. Another attraction will be a huge “Prinjolata” and all those who attend will be able to get a piece to taste for free.

The Zebbug Local Council is encouraging everyone to come along and join in the fun. For more information visit the website, facebook page Zebbug Gozo or contact tel. no. 21563056.

Malta Public transport has announced that it operating extra bus trips during the Gozo carnival weekend to facilitate travel and increase accessibility to the festivities in Nadur.

A shuttle service will operate between Mgarr and Nadur in line with the boat ferry service, while extra trips will also operate from Victoria to Nadur and from Nadur to various localities around Gozo.