Carnival floats are set to push their way through the main streets of Bugibba and Qawra once again this summer as the Malta Summer Carnival returns to one of the island’s main tourism hotspots.

A miniature of the gigantic February Carnival, the Malta Summer Carnival aims to give tourists a taste of the Carnival tradition and culture in Malta, affording a glimpse of the burst of life and colour that is Carnival in Malta.

Held on 16 and 17 August, the Malta Summer Carnival will include a defilé around the streets of Bugibba and Qawra. It will converge on the main square in Bugibba with a grand spectacle of floats - prepared specifically for this Carnival - decorated maskaruni, dance companies and crafts exhibitions.

Celebrations will include the traditional gostra, where competitors climb a greased pole over the sea in an attempt to grab the flag stuck to the end of it.

Dance companies will perform in the main square as well as during the parades in the main streets. Stands with traditional Maltese crafts will be set up around the streets of Bugibba. 

“Following last year’s success, this year’s Malta Summer Carnival will include even more elements,” said Carnival director Jason Busuttil. A larger number of floats and dance companies will be taking part this year, he said.

Apart from providing an added tourist attraction, the Malta Summer Carnival also provides an important impetus to the business community in Bugibba and Qawra, where the celebrations attract large crowds.

The Carnival is being organised by the Carnival Committee and is supported by the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government, Arts Council Malta and St Paul’s Bay local council.