Summer Carnival 2026 Returns To Buġibba & Marsaskala

The Summer Carnival will return from 21 to 23 August, bringing three evenings of colour, music, dance and carnival celebrations to Buġibba and Marsaskala.

Organised by Festivals Malta in collaboration with the St Paul's Bay Local Council and the Marsaskala Local Council, this year's edition will feature 15 Carnival floats specially adapted for the summer parades, together with several dance companies.

The event aims to showcase the creativity and craftsmanship behind Malta's Carnival tradition while giving artists, float builders and performers another opportunity to present their work to new audiences.

The celebrations will begin in Buġibba on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 August before moving to Marsaskala on Sunday 23 August.

Minister for the Arts, Culture and National Heritage Malcolm Paul Agius Galea said Carnival remains an important part of Malta's cultural identity and reflects the talent and dedication of hundreds of people.

He said the Government would continue investing in the tradition to preserve it while allowing it to grow, evolve and reach more people. He added that the Summer Carnival brings culture directly into local communities, making it more accessible to families, residents and visitors.

In Buġibba, the Friday parade will begin at 7pm from Dawret il-Gżejjer and continue along the promenade to the Malta National Aquarium. On Saturday, the parade will set off at 7pm from the Aquarium and proceed along the promenade to Triq il-Ħalel.

On Sunday, a revised route will be used in Marsaskala so the Carnival reaches more parts of the locality. The parade will start from the Żonqor car park before passing along Triq iż-Żonqor, beneath the Parish Church and continuing along Triq ix-Xatt.

Festivals Malta Chief Executive Officer Frans Agius said the Summer Carnival expands access to the tradition by bringing it directly into communities, while Artistic Director Jason Busuttil said the floats and dance companies would once again fill the streets with the colour and energy associated with the Maltese Carnival.

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