The Tourism and Culture Ministry has announced that Carnival will take place between 16 and 20 February.

Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said that Carnival had been on the Maltese calendar of events for over 470 years and that celebrations had been passed down from generation to generation and are connected with Lent.

The first Carnival was organised in 1535 by Grandmaster Pietro del Ponte, but really took off in 1560 under the auspices of Grandmaster Jean de la Vallette.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that the elderly remember times when celebrations in the Three Cities and other villages used to compete with those held in the capital city of Valletta. However, despite efforts to re-ignite this competition, activities tend to be concentrated in Valletta.

He said that this year, prizes will be increased with the aim of stimulating more participation. In addition, a private contractor will be constructing the temporary arena in Freedom Square, which will lead to higher standards and less costs for the organizational committee.

He also said that the local councils of St Julian’s, Qormi, and Ghaxaq will be organizing their own events and that a street carnival party will be held on the weekend at the Valletta Waterfront.

Carnival is also a tourist attraction and to that effect, a web portal has been set up by the Malta Tourism Authority to attract interest.