Carnival across Malta and Gozo: the best events, insider tips and hidden gems

Malta Carnival 2026 kicks off on Friday with a national programme of bright and colourful events across Valletta, Floriana and Gozo, stretching on until next Tuesday.  

But beyond the official schedule, coordinated by Festivals Malta, and continuing the costumed celebrations outside tradition are also less boisterous events, such as exhibitions and talks, as well as masked parties and raves on the other end of the spectrum. 

To avoid any FOMO, or getting lost in the sea of dance troupes, blindingly neon floats and grotesque masks, here’s a guide to what to do and where to be this Carnival weekend. 

While pre-festivities may have already been done and dusted in some localities, the big fun is yet to be held over the next few days, with the official opening in Valletta on Friday.  

Carnival floats will parade throughout the weekend. Photo: Festivals Malta

The King Carnival parade through Republic Street to St George’s Square starts at 6pm, amid windy and partly cloudy weather, while Saturday, February 14, will see a children’s “morning special” unfold in the square, followed by afternoon parades and the traditional Il-Qarċilla satirical street theatre.  

Head to Valletta’s Ordnance Street on February 14 and 15, with three performances starting from 2.30pm on each afternoon, for a taste of the farce that dates back to at least the 18th century.  

Competitive dance shows in St George’s Square and grand float parades, as well as a traditional Carnival local band and grotesque masks, continue all day on February15, spilling over to the next day too. 

Il-Karnival ta' Malta’s Gran Finale takes place in Floriana’s St Anne Street from 6pm on February 17, and this is an opportunity to watch the final defilé of all floats if you missed it. 

Carnival in Gozo  

Gozo is just as active this weekend, and anyone crossing the channel can enjoy Nadur’s “spontaneous” Carnival, famed for its darker humour, satirical, more anarchic and unorganised nature, happening mostly by night. Costumes tend to be on the scarier side, and the atmosphere can be raw, irreverent.  

Elsewhere on the island, parades and dance shows will be held mainly in Victoria but also other Gozitan localities, including Għajnsielem, on February 14. 

Some villages have already held their Carnival curtain-raising events, but you are still in time to enjoy Għajnsielem’s events at Our Lady of Loreto Square, from 2pm. 

Xagħra’s evening parades in Nazzarenu Square start at 7pm on February 14 and at 11.30am the next day, while morning festivities are also being held in Xewkija Square on Sunday at 9.30am. 

Nadur's carnival is traditionally a raw, irreverent event. Photo: Times of Malta

Munxar will host its own family-friendly event in Church Square at 5pm on Thursday, while San Lawrenz will celebrate from 1pm on Sunday. 

Smaller in scale, rich in character 

If you do not want to head into the city, Carnival celebrations have hit around 50 localities across Malta and Gozo this year, with village events offering a more traditional and community-focused atmosphere compared to the grand parades in Valletta.  

Smaller in scale, they are still rich in character, showing confirmation a commitment to this major cultural event. 

The annual Għaxaq Spontaneous Carnival, which continues to grow in popularity, is known for its raw, traditional feel and focus on local community participation, with locals roaming the streets in often ghoulish costumes. 

Organised dance and band performances here take place on February 15 at 7pm, while the spontaneous activities and costume competitions are from February 16 to 17 at 8pm. 

Għaxaq Spontaneous Carnival focuses on local community participation. Photo: Facebook/ Karnival Spontanju Ghaxqi Tradizjonali

Kirkop is also hosting its second edition of Il-Qarċilla on February 17 at 4pm, while Marsascala is holding local parties and activities at various venues, including a children's carnival party at Monkey Mischief on February12. 

Naxxar is not missing out on the action, with Special Carnival Role Play Sessions organised for children at Little Peeps over the weekend. 

A more erudite experience 

For a less raucous celebration, and a more academic and leisurely approach, check out the Carnival exhibition, Kuluri u Kostumi: Wirja ta' kostumi tal-Karnival Malti, at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta, on until February 22. 

It celebrates the creativity, craftsmanship and spirit of Malta’s Carnival, with displays and works by enthusiasts, propelling the tradition into future.  

Spazju Kreattiv is also the stage for a bold reimagining of Il-Qarċilla, the street farce, on February 12 and 13. 

And if your interest lies specifically in the Maltese Carnival during British rule, leave the crowds behind you and head to the more tranquil setting of the Jesuits Church Oratory. 

The Triton's Fountain reimagined at Carnival in Valletta. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Eminent theatre historian Vicky Ann Cremona, who has a particular interest in carnival rituals, will deliver a talk in Valletta on February 12 at 6.30pm. 

Time for an after party… 

You may have missed the grand ball at the MCC, but you are not too late to the party. To experience Carnival “on a whole new level”, The Getaway Club Carnival Weekender is being proposed from February 12 to Saturday. One pass can get you into clubs, raves and after parties, including the Gozo Carnival Friday at Maxtura. 

From underground to the top of Paceville, The Carnival Party at TwentyTwo is being thrown at Portomaso Tower, with a “high-end masquerade concept” on Friday. Partygoers: mask recommended! 

And if you want to throw some sport into the mix, the World Cup Gozo Carnival 2026 promises to be an immersive football experience, held on February 14 at 2pm. 

Tops tips 

•While street parades are free, seated areas for dance competitions in St George’s Square require tickets. 

•Malta Public Transport is operating special increased services from February 13 to 15 to accommodate crowds in Valletta and Nadur. Major routes serving Valletta (13A, 31, 48, 71 and 91) will run more frequently, particularly on Sunday from noon onwards. Buses will run every 15 to 30 minutes between Victoria and Nadur, with frequent shuttles connecting the Mġarr Ferry Terminal to Nadur, synchronised with Gozo Channel ferry arrivals. Late-night routes (801–806) will provide island-wide connections in Gozo after festivities. 

•Extensive road closures will be in effect around Valletta and Floriana, particularly during the Gran Finale on Tuesday, with main entry points like Triq Ġilormu Cassar and Republic Street pedestrianised or restricted during parades. St Anne Street in Floriana will also be closed to traffic from 5pm for the final defilé. 

•Park & Ride facilities at Floriana or Pembroke are available to avoid congestion. 

For detailed scheduling and updates, check the Festivals Malta official site and Facebook page festivals.mt/karnival