Hundreds of enthusiasts who have worked on their carnival floats for a whole year will be keeping their fingers crossed this weekend, hoping that the fine weather holds.

Between today and Tuesday, the streets and squares of Valletta, Floriana and several other towns and villages will be ignited by the fervour of carnival.

It was the Knights of

St John who, in 1535, originally brought carnival to Malta, a festival initially reserved for the elite.

Since then, festivity and general euphoria have characterised the Maltese carnival every year.

But those who have worked for a whole year on their papier-mâché floats are certainly hoping for the best this weekend and will be rather disappointed if the weather takes a turn for the worse, after all the dry weather this winter.

The Valletta Waterfront is gearing up to host a spectacular Carnival Street Party today and tomorrow. This is the first time that VISET Malta plc is organising its own carnival festivities.

On both nights, the party will kick off at 8pm, with a lively repertoire by Mellieha’s La Vittoria Band while later on in the evening the Spiteri Lucas Band will provide entertainment under the direction of Mark Spiteri Lucas.

Throughout both evenings, visitors can try their luck as many spot prizes are up for grabs during costume competitions and carnival games.