Malta Carnival: floats, dancers and sweets in Valletta

Malta Carnival fills the streets of Valletta and Floriana with colourful floats, costumed dance groups and brass bands in the days before Lent. Its roots go back to the era of the Knights of St John, and today it is a cheerful family festival with a lively atmosphere.

Fun facts

• Carnival in Malta has been celebrated since at least the 16th century, under the Knights of St John.
• The village of Nadur on Gozo is known for a spontaneous, more satirical and darker carnival.
• Valletta, built by the Knights after the Great Siege of 1565, is a UNESCO World Heritage city.

What to see

• The float parades moving along Republic Street towards St George's Square.
• The costume and dance competitions in the centre of Valletta.
• The unofficial night carnival in Nadur on Gozo.

What to taste

• Prinjolata, a tall carnival cake with pine nuts, cream and chocolate.
• Perlini, colourful sugar-coated almonds sold only around carnival.
• Pastizzi, cheap flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas.

What to do

• See Caravaggio's paintings in St John's Co-Cathedral.
• Take the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo for a day.
• Watch the noon gun salute from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

💡 Tip: Buses from Malta airport reach Valletta in about 30 minutes. Arrive early on parade days to find a good spot, and use the ferry from Sliema to avoid traffic.