The Maltese Carnival It completely transforms the romantic and cinematic islands of this country of spectacular stone cities, virgin beaches and delicious gastronomy into a paradise of color and fun. Its origins go back to the Knights Age, who, starting in 1535, began to organize tournaments and casual races, taking advantage of the days before the arrival of Easter to leave behind the restrictions imposed by this event.
Today, the carnival is the great celebration of the country, with celebrations highlighted in Valletta, Floriana and in Nadur, in Gozo . Especially particular is the carnival of this city, whose streets are filled with spontaneous demonstrations and circles in which citizens tell jokes and play pranks, hiding their identity thanks to grotesque masks.
Due to the global health situation, this year, the traditional floats will be replaced by some artistic creations very special in various points of Valletta and its surroundings, which you can admire from February 25 to March 1 . Also, there will be a great exhibition with the best costumes of last year.
Also, on February 25, 26 and 27 you can enjoy il-Qarċilla , a fun traditional play closely related to the carnival performed in Saint James Cavalier, an impressive 16th century fortification converted into a cultural center.
Also, to learn about the history of carnival in the Maltese Islands, it is worth enjoying Il-Karnival fil-Manoel: Kuluri u fantasija at the Manoel Theater in Valletta, the oldest in the country. In this unique show, through theater, dance, projections, games and songs, you will discover the traditions of this popular festival. The children will be impressed!
And, like any Maltese party worth its salt, the carnival also has its typical dish . Thus, during this period, prinjolata, a colorful dome-shaped sponge cake made with almonds, biscuits and citrus fruits, and decorated with cream, pine nuts, melted chocolate and cherry, is widely consumed in Malta.
Malta, an authentic postcard
CARNIVAL, THE “PERFECT EXCUSE” TO VISIT MALTA FILM
320 World Heritage monuments are concentrated in the 55 hectares of this archipelago. churches, movie forts, ports and old mansions dot a territory where you will be surprised to find influences Byzantine, Arab, Italian, Spanish, French and even English . And we don't say "film" just for the sake of it: in Malta they have filmed hundreds of feature films, among them, many blockbusters.
Assassin's Creed, Captain Phillips, World War Z, The Da Vinci Code, Troy, Gladiator, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen... The list of films shot in the country is immense, and as you stroll through the streets of Valletta, it's easy to bump into signs explaining that this or that scene was recorded there. You can't help but nod admiration, wanting to almost melt into the picturesque postcard which is the city itself.
Thanks to its excellent state of preservation, Malta is a constant movie set
But Valletta is not the only film set in the archipelago: The Blue Window of Dwejra, for example, a 50-meter-high natural limestone arch located on the Island of Gozo, was the setting for the wedding between Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo , in Game of Thrones. Although unfortunately disfigured by a storm, the island is full of coastal natural treasures, such as the impressive beaches of Xlendi and the charming fishing villages of Gharb and Xargra.