Festivals Malta have just announced that ‘Il-Karnival ta’ Malta’ will once more be held through an abridged programme between the 25th February and 1st of March 2022. Il-Karnival ta’ Malta Artistic Director Jason Busuttil explained that this year’s programme will include various competitive installations throughout all the streets of the capital city Valletta.
This will take place between the aforementioned dates, and include everything from a photographic exhibition by German photographer Frank Kirchner and curated by Antoine Farrugia and a costumes exhibition featuring works from the past years. A live production of il-Qarċilla, in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv will also take place, accompanied by a live theatrical show which includes dance, projections and other activities suitable for children by the Manoel Theatre in collaboration with TOI TOI collective.
In a statement, Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera said that carnival ‘is one of the main pillars of Malta’s cultural calendar. One cannot help but feel the absence of Carnival festivities and the talent it inspires through the enthusiasts who dedicate most of their lives for its preparation.’The Minister highlighted how throughout the pandemic, the government had to make responsible decisions and to carefully organise various initiatives which add value to the Maltese cultural calendar.
‘However, we know that what has been organised can never compare to the traditional carnival that is celebrated by thousands of Maltese citizens as well as tourists who visit our islands especially for this event. Given that, as announced a few days ago, the current COVID-19 measures will be revised, the government together with Festivals Malta will organise a carnivalesque programme that for this year only, will be held on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of May. Through this initiative the Carnival community can safely enjoy these highly anticipated festivities.’
Festivals Malta CEO Annabelle Stivala also spoke, saying that Malta’s carnival is an important event in Malta’s cultural calendar and Festivals Malta has been constantly striving to return carnival celebrations back to their former glory. “Throughout the years, Festivals Malta has made it its mission to preserve the traditions and customs associated with Maltese Carnival, while also elevating it as a quality festival. While the festival’s format had to be adapted due to the current situation, Festivals Malta has endeavoured to keep the carnival spirit alive despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic”, concluded, Ms Stivala.
More details can be found here.
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Photo Source: Darren Agius, Traditional Sweet Recipes From Malta