This year’s edition of the Maltese Carnival – which will be held between the 12th and the 16th of February – will be taking a different approach to how it is traditionally presented, ensuring that this annual traditional event is given its due recognition whilst effectively respecting the current pandemic-related obligations.
For the past couple of months Festivals Malta and the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government have worked in close collaboration with the relevant authorities and carnival enthusiasts to strike the right balance in delivering an adequate showcase for this traditional element of our culture.
During a press conference announcing the 2021 Carnival initiatives, Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Jose Herrera focused on the importance of the resilience shown by the local artistic and cultural sector during these challenging times. “Our artists, including the hundreds of enthusiasts who every year work relentlessly to produce a spectacular show for carnival, deserve all our support in coming up with alternative ways of preserving this tradition in such times, and all our commitment of resolve to overcome current challenges for a better, stronger carnival experience in the years to come.”
Festivals Malta CEO Annabelle Stivala reiterated that the agency is doing its utmost to ensure that the planned programme abides by the existing health regulations whilst making sure that carnival enthusiasts are given a safe space to express their creativity. “Festivals Malta has always believed in the importance of Maltese culture, now more than ever. Through this special edition of Carnival, we aim to shed a ray of hope, as well as fulfilment, for participants and Carnival enthusiasts by commemorating this joyous time in our homes and communities.”
This year, Carnival activities were redrawn to make sure that all public health regulations are abided by. Static artistic installations will replace traditional floats, which will be available throughout various streets around Malta and squares in Valletta for people to enjoy during their daily routine. Festivals Malta, in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv, will be organising a costume exhibition where Carnival enthusiasts can view and appreciate these elaborate costumes in closer proximity. Furthermore, there will be a mini-series, in collaboration with Teatru Malta, that illustrates how to make Carnival costumes, masks and props from recycled materials lying around the home.
The programme also includes various television broadcasts on TVM 2, which will be shown between the 12th and 16th February, featuring documentaries related to the artistry of the Carnival participants, the story of this Maltese cultural giant, a dramatised version of the Qarċilla, and last year’s Children’s Carnival.
Carnival’s Artistic Director Jason Busuttil commented on the future of Maltese Carnival and how it will develop after this 2021 special edition. “Our aim for this edition has been to preserve Maltese tradition and culture. We know how dedicated our participants are, and we are doing everything we can so that their work is appreciated in the safest way possible. If the situation gets better, we can look forward with enthusiasm to next year’s edition in February 2022”, concluded Mr Busuttil.
The Maltese Carnival will be held between the 12th and 16th of February 2021. For more information and updates about this year’s programme, visit the website www.festivals.mt/karnival and the social media page www.facebook.com/karnivaltamalta.
