Last years Soul Food pop-up proved a welcome addition to the LIQUID SPIRIT Gozo itinerary offering ticket holders the opportunity to wind down, sample local Gozitan food at a respected local foodie destination whilst listening
Carnival is a Gozo Experience You Will Never Forget.
Events in Gozo don’t get better than this! Carnival is part of a long-time tradition across the Maltese Islands, when the streets become alive with colour and fun experiences are to be had for all the family.
Date Last Updated: 23rd January 2024
Contents
When Is Carnival This Year?
Sunday 4th to Tuesday 13th February 2024
Gozo Carnival History. An Integral Part Of Gozo Tradition.
Carnival in Gozo is celebrated all across the island, in some particular squares such as Independence Square, Victoria, and Nadur Square, as well as all across the villages! You will come across teams of people disguised under colourful costumes, magical floats of crazy characters and food and drink being served from the streets. It’s a chance to see the true character and humour of Gozitans!
Carnival festivities are reminiscent of Maltese folklore and have been celebrated since the arrival of the Knights of St. John in 1530. It began in Valletta and soon spread across the Maltese islands and now, it’s one of the most colourful events on the Maltese calendar, happening just before Lent. Especially in Gozo.
The Nadur Spontaneous Carnival
There are many smaller events surrounding Carnival every year, some could argue these are what make the whole experience. The Nadur Spontaneous Carnival is unique as there are no rules! At sunset, a multitude of masked and hooded creatures take over the streets of Nadur in costume of course! Not to be missed if you want to experience the REAL Gozo carnival. This carnival was once called the ‘Silent Carnival’, as Gozo was so small that, even in disguise, people would recognise you from just your voice! Therefore, when in their costumes, the Gozitans used to stay silent during the carnival just to protect their identities.
Carnival Events In Gozo 2024.
Enjoy more than a week of Carnival fever in Gozo and find out what’s on and where. This year there are plenty of events around the island to celebrate this spectacular festical. Enjoy street parties, parades, dancing and unique performances. The bars take to the streets and kiosks adorn the pavements offering plenty of refreshments all night long. These events are free for all the family.
Organised Village Carnival Events 2024:
4TH FEBRUARY – GHARB (VISITATION SQUARE), NADUR (ST PETER & ST PAUL SQUARE)
8TH FEBRUARY – MUNXAR (CHURCH SQUARE)
9TH FEBRUARY – QALA (ST JOSEPH SQUARE)
10TH FEBRUARY – GHAJNSIELEM (IN FRONT OF ST JOSEPH BAND CLUB), XAGHRA (NAZZARENU SQUARE)
11TH FEBRUARY – XEWKIJA (ST JOHN THE BAPTIST SQUARE), XAGHRA (VICTORY SQUARE),
ZEBBUG (ASSUMPTION SQUARE), SAN LAWRENZ (ST LAWRENCE SQUARE), SANNAT (ST MARGARET SQUARE)
Gozo Regional Carnival Events 2024:
9th february – CARNIVAL DAY 1 – 9:00-12:00 | CHildren’s carnival | independence square, victoria –
18:00-23:00 | parade | republic street, victoria – dance, floats, masks and merriment | independence square, Victoria
10th february – carnival day 2 – 9:00-12:00 | CHildren’s carnival | independence square, vicToria –
18:00-23:00 | PARADE | REpublic street, victoria | dance, floats, masks and merriment | independence square, victoria
11th february – carnival day 3 – 15:00-22:00 | parade | republic street, victoria –
DAnce, floats, masks and merriment | independence square, victoria
12th february – carnival day 4 – 17:00-23:00 | parade | republic street, victoria –
DAnce, floats, masks and merriment | independence square, victoria
13th february – finale – 15:00-22:00 | parade | republic street, victoria –
DAnce, floats, masks and merriment | independence square, victoria
Please Note: Transport for both Rabat and Nadur: if you are coming from Malta you have to prepare to come early with the ferry. Be prepared to queue for the boat for quite some time. Also, it is recommended to avoid parking in these areas. There is plenty of public transport options, too!
10 Things To Do This Year At Carnival
- Don’t miss the traditional Kukkanja ending the opening event.
- Dress UP! The more gruesome and humourous the better!
- Join the spontaneous carnival at sunset in Nadur from the 9th-11th.
- Party in the squares (Independence Square, Victoria + Nadur Square)
- Eat Prinjolata – a traditional dessert cake prepared for special occasions.
- Wear comfy shoes!
- Be in time to watch the floats procession through Victoria (Rabat), or in the evenings catch them in Nadur.
- For those that want to continue the party, hit the club. Check out our events for more.
- Dance in the streets.
- Explore the villages of Xewkija, Xagħra, San Lawrenz, Ghajnsielem, Qala and Żebbuġ, there are also events for everyone in these towns.
Watch Carnivals Past
Watch Carnivals Gone By. View our montage of Gozo Carnivals gone by and we will see you on the streets in Gozo.
With thanks to the following content creators…
Jason Buhagiar (1982) | Arcadia (2013) | | Bugeja Carnival 2013 Behind the Scenes | Tonio Schembri | David Bajada (The Maltese Done) (2016) | Franco Tabone (2017) |Joe Grech (2016) Visit Gozo (2018) | Paul Falzon (2009) | Feds World (2017)
Author: GITH
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