As the Malta Carnival 2024 approaches, an exhibition 'Pawlu Curmi 'Il-Pampalun': The Man, the Legend' is being showcased as part of the Carnival 2024 programme in collaboration with Heritage Malta and Spazju Kreattiv.

This exhibition dedicated to Paul Curmi 'Il-Pampalun', has been curated and researched by the historian Mario Coleiro and will look at Paul Curmi as a competitor and as one who supported the activities of the Carnival.

The exhibition was opened by the Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici, the Chairperson of Festivals Malta Aaron Zahra, the CEO of Festivals Malta Frans Agius, the Artistic Director Jason Busuttil , and exhibition curator Mario Coleiro. The exhibition will be open free of charge to the public until March 3, every day between 9am and 9pm in the Atrium of Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta.

Bonnici said that Paul Curmi 'Il-Pampalun' is considered by many to be the father of the Maltese Carnival and that he greatly improved the local scenario.

"Pawlu Curmi is considered a complete artist, because apart from his creativity in the creation of carnival floats, he was also a musician and a dancer. Anyone who has Carnival and culture close to their heart, will surely appreciate this exhibition about the life of il-Pampalun," said Minister Bonnici.

Born on 12 December in the year 1930 in Valletta, Pampalun was the 12th child out of 13 and from a young age he showed interest in the Malta Carnival by helping his father Giovanni with the carnival floats. From there his career in the carnival industry continued to flourish, touching the elements of dance and choreography and much more. Beyond the carnival, the Pampalun was a man of many delights, with a character that made an impact not only on the Valletta Carnival community, but left a colorful legacy behind.

The Malta Carnival will be staged from 9 to 13 February and is being organized by Festivals Malta with the support of the Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government, in collaboration with Heritage Malta, Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta Local Council, Floriana Local Council, Hamrun Local Council, Żurrieq Local Council, GSD Marketing Ltd and Kiabi.

For more information about this year's Carnival program and more, visit the website www.festivals.mt/karnival or the Carnival's social media on Facebook or Instagram.