The Gozo Regional Carnival has again proven to be a popular attraction to thousands of Maltese who crossed the channel during the past weekend in order to pass these days of guise and revelry in Gozo. Notwithstanding the postponement of some of the activities due to prevailing climate conditions, the items on the scheduled programme of events was carried out from Friday to Sunday in various venues throughout Gozo.

A considerable audience made up of Gozitans, Maltese and tourists, followed the programme held in the enclosure at Independence Square in Victoria. Many also visited the various villages where carnival programmes were organised by their respective Local Councils in collaboration with the Committee for National and Regional Celebrations within the Ministry for Gozo.

The spontaneous carnival, which is held during the evenings in the main streets of Nadur, has been increasing in popularity with each year. This year was no exception and crowds flocked on all days but especially on Saturday. This year’s activity was sadly marred by an unfortunate accident involving a twenty year old villager.

One of the initiatives taken by the Ministry for Gozo over the years comprised a decision taken by the Gozo Cultural Council in 2006. It was agreed that in order to ensure that the village carnivals could be better followed, the carnival programme of events in Gozo would be extended over two weekends. It was also envisaged that this initiative would prove beneficial to the Gozitan tourism sector, as an added attraction during the less popular winter months.

This initiative seems to have borne fruit as witnessed by statistical data relative to those making use of Gozo Channel services during the past weekend. Between Friday 20th and Sunday 22nd, February, Gozo Channel vessels ferried 51,000 passengers and almost 15,500 vehicles on 256 trips. These figures represent an increase over the number of passengers and vehicles ferried during the same period last year and a significant increase when compared to figures of 2007 and 2006. In 2007 more than 46,000 passengers and 13,500 crossed between the islands whereas in 2006 the ferries operated 150 trips carrying just over 30,000 passengers and 8,800 vehicles.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna, Debono, had favourable comments regarding the quality and standards of most of the items contained in this year’s programme. She emphasised that these activities are to be given due attention considering the importance of the economic activity they generate on the island during the particularly slow winter months.

Carnival activities in Gozo will come to an end on Tuesday evening, with, weather permitting, a Gran Defile’ along republic Street up to Independence Square in Victoria. Village carnival activities will also be concluded on that day.

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