Malta Carnival Exhibition Held In Brussels At European Parliament

The Maltese Carnival has been presented for the first time at the European Parliament in Brussels through the exhibition Malta’s Carnival – Behind the Mask.

The event was launched by Member of the European Parliament Alex Agius Saliba and the Minister for Culture, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, with the support of Arts Council Malta and Executive Chairman Luke Dalli.

The exhibition showcases the artistic and cultural heritage of the Maltese Carnival, highlighting masks, floats, elaborate costumes, and hand-made props created by volunteers and enthusiasts.

It also features archival photographs, historical documents, rare footage, traditional songs, games, and folkloric instruments, tracing the evolution of the Carnival across generations. Visitors can experience an immersive virtual reality journey through the parade, offering a unique perspective on this centuries-old tradition.

In his address, Minister Owen Bonnici described the Carnival as one of the oldest and most vibrant cultural expressions in Malta, with roots dating back to the sixteenth century.

He emphasised the importance of investing in the tradition to strengthen Malta’s cultural identity nationally and internationally and acknowledged the dedication of artists, designers, float builders, and volunteers.

Alex Agius Saliba stated that the exhibition allows the European Parliament to appreciate Maltese talent and called the Carnival a living tradition that unites generations while expressing Maltese identity and imagination.

“Through the Culture Compass for Europe, we want to ensure that everyone, especially our youth, has access to culture and can engage with it both as creators and as participants. In this way, we can safeguard and protect our cultural heritage while ensuring that it remains alive, accessible, and relevant for future generations,” said European Commissioner Glenn Micallef.

Arts Council Malta Executive Chairman Luke Dalli said, “It is a privilege for the Arts Council Malta to support this exhibition at the European Parliament. This exhibition is not simply a celebration; it is an invitation to look beyond the colour and spectacle and to understand the cultural depth that has shaped the Maltese Carnival over more than five centuries.”

The exhibition, under the artistic direction of Daniel Cauchi, will remain open at the European Parliament throughout the week, featuring the participation of many artists and organisations active in the Maltese Carnival.

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