The
carnival is celebrated in Malta since 1535 and even since the late fifteenth
century. It is initially taking place in Valletta, but today it is celebrated
everywhere on the island of Malta during the days before the beginning of Lent.
Parades are held in Valletta and near Floriana.
A
festival of songs, dances, music and theater, with the highlights in a grand
costumed ball, and a grand finale parade in Floriana, ending with fireworks on
Marsamxett harbor.
Maltese folk used to celebrate Carnival as did the Knights of St. John as from one week prior and up to Ash Wednesday. The origin of the name Carnival derives from the Italian phrase ‘Carne vale', which means literally ‘meat is allowed' due to the fact that during the forty days of lent, the consumption of meat was forbidden according to Roman Catholic religion. Therefore, Carnival was to be celebrated just prior to the fasting period in Roman Catholic countries.
Maltese folk used to celebrate Carnival as did the Knights of St. John as from one week prior and up to Ash Wednesday. The origin of the name Carnival derives from the Italian phrase ‘Carne vale', which means literally ‘meat is allowed' due to the fact that during the forty days of lent, the consumption of meat was forbidden according to Roman Catholic religion. Therefore, Carnival was to be celebrated just prior to the fasting period in Roman Catholic countries.
Carnival
is also celebrated in Gozo.
