winter & summer Carnival Malta 2026

Il-Karnival Ta' Malta - A Colourful Tradition

Every February or March, Malta bursts into life with Carnival, one of the island’s oldest and most vibrant festivals. A time of pure spectacle, it transforms the country into a whirlwind of colour, music, and dance, bringing together both locals and visitors for days of joyous celebration.

From the majestic streets of Valletta to the lively squares of Gozo and villages across Malta, Carnival is an unmissable experience. Expect extravagant floats, elaborate costumes, and energetic dance performances, creating a dazzling atmosphere like no other.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know, including the Carnival calendar, event dates, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Date Last Updated: 8th February 2026

🎭 Malta & Gozo Carnival 2026 — at a glance

✅ Confirmed dates (Winter Carnival): Friday 13th – Tuesday 17th February 2026

✅ Confirmed dates (Summer Carnival): Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd August 2026

Top locations (most popular):

• Malta: Valletta + Floriana (main parades/defilé vibe)
• Gozo: Victoria (family-friendly programme) + Nadur (spontaneous “after-dark” carnival)

What’s confirmed vs pending:

• Confirmed: dates (Winter + Summer)
• Pending: official programme (times/routes/ticketed seating) + final Summer locations

Update note: We refresh this page regularly as official info drops (and we keep the “Last Updated” date at the top).

Quick jump: Winter Carnival • Events & Parties • Best location for you • Map

Table of Contents - Carnival Malta 2025/6

• Traditional Carnival Malta - February 2026
• Malta Carnival Program 2026
• Summer Carnival In Malta 2026
• Tips On Visiting Carnival In Malta
• Carnival In Malta Locations
• Carnival Locations Map
• Carnival History in Malta
• Questions and Answers

traditional carnival malta - february 2026

The traditional carnival in Malta has already been announced for 2026, however only the dates have been released. The rest of the information about the event will be released closer to the dates.

when is Carnival in Malta 2026?

• Friday 13th to Tuesday 17th February 2026

carnival in malta 2026 program

• Kuluri u Kostumi: Wirja ta' kostumi tal-Karnival Malti - 29th January 2026
• Carnival by Night - 7th February 2026
• Band and Costume Parade in Ħamrun - 8th February 2026
• Carnival Weekend Day 1 - 13th February 2026
• Saturday Morning Special – Carnival Weekend Day 2 - 14th February 2026
• Il-Qarċilla Fit-Toroq tal-Belt - 14th February 2026
  
• Afternoon Programme - Carnival Day Weekend Day 2 - 14th February 2026
• Morning Programme - Carnival Weekend Day 3 - 15th February 2026
• Afternoon Programme - Carnival Weekend Day 3 - 15th February 2026
  
• Il-Qarċilla Fit-Toroq tal-Belt - 15th February 2026
  
• Morning Programme - Carnival Day 4 - 16th February 2026
• Afternoon Programme - Carnival Day 4 - 16th February 2026
• Afternoon Programme - Carnival Day 5 - 17th February 2026
  
• Carnival Gran Finale - 17th February 2026
  

Click here for Program | Tickets

Carnival in Gozo 2026

Below are the several open events happening around the villages in Gozo for the Carnival period.

Gozo Carnival Opening Parade

• Venue: Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo
• When: Saturday 7th February 2026
• Time: 19:30

View event information

Għarb Carnival 2026

• Venue: Visitation Square, Għarb, Gozo
• When: Sunday 8th February 2026
• Time: 10:00

View event information

Karnival Tan-Nadur 2026

• Venue: St. Peter & St. Paul Square, Nadur, Gozo
• When: Sunday 8th & Friday 13th to Tuesday 17th February 2026
• Time: 12:30

View event information

Sannat Carnival 2026

• Venue: St. Margaret Square, Sannat, Gozo
• When: Sunday 8th & Friday 13th to Tuesday 17th February 2026
• Time: 19:00

View event information

Karnival Tal-Fontana 2026

• Venue: Local Council Hall, Fontana, Gozo
• When: Tuesday 10th February 2026
• Time: 10:00

View event information

Żebbuġ Carnival 2026

• Venue: Assumption Square, Żebbuġ, Gozo
• When: Tuesday 10th February 2026
• Time: 19:00

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Karnival Tal-Munxar 2026

• Venue: Church Square, Munxar, Gozo
  
• When: Thursday 12th February 2026
• Time: 17:00

View event information

Défilé – Carnival Parade

• Venue: Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo
• When: Sunday 8th & Friday 13th to Tuesday 17th February 2026

Full Victoria Gozo Program

Date: 13th February

• Time: 17:00
• Theme: Dance, Floats, Grotesque Masks & Merriment
• Location: Republic Street & Independence Square, Victoria

Date: 14th February

• Time: 10:00 – 14:00
• Theme: Dance, Floats, Grotesque Masks & Merriment
• Location: Republic Street & Independence Square, Victoria
  
  
• Time: 17:00
• Theme: Dance, Floats, Grotesque Masks & Merriment
• Location: Republic Street & Independence Square, Victoria

Date: 15th February

• Time: 14:00
• Theme: Dance, Floats, Grotesque Masks & Merriment
• Location: Republic Street & Independence Square, Victoria

Date: 16th February

• Time: 17:00
• Theme: Dance, Floats, Grotesque Masks & Merriment
• Location: Republic Street & Independence Square, Victoria

Date: 17th February – GRAND FINALE

• Time: 17:00 – 23:00
• Theme: Dance, Floats, Grotesque Masks & Merriment
• Location: Republic Street & Independence Square, Victoria

View Full Program

Għajnsielem Carnival

• Venue: Our Lady of Loreto Square, Gozo
• When: Saturday 14th February 2026
• Time: 14:00

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Xagħra Carnival

• Venue: Nazzarenu Square, Xagħra, Gozo
• When: Saturday 14th February 2026
• Time: 19:00

• Venue: Victoria Square, Xagħra, Gozo
• When: Sunday 15th February 2026
• Time: 11:30

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Xewkija Carnival

• Venue: St. John the Baptist Square, Xewkija, Gozo
• When: Saturday 14th February 2026
• Time: 09:30

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San Lawrenz Carnival

• Venue: San Lawrenz Square, San Lawrenz, Gozo
• When: Sunday 15th February 2026
• Time: 13:00

View event information

Carnival Events & Parties in Malta & Gozo 2026

Carnival week features a packed programme of parades, float displays, dance performances, costume competitions, and family activities across Valletta, Floriana, and Gozo. Events run throughout the day and into the evening, with timings and locations varying by date. Use the list below to pick what to see and plan your visit.

BUNKR | The After Party | GOZO CARNIVAL 2026

• Venue: Maxtura, Xaghra, Gozo
• When: Friday 14th February 2026
• Time: 22:00

Buy Tickets From Here

The Getaway Club - Gozo Carnival Weekender 2026

• Venue: Gozo
• When: Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th February 2026

Buy Tickets From Here

G7 & District Presents: Gozo Carnival Friday 2026

• Venue: Ivory Suite, Triq Ir-Rabat, Xaghra, Gozo
• When: Friday 13th February 2026
• Time: 22:30

Buy Tickets From Here

CARNEVALE - THE GRANDMASTER'S BALL

• Venue: MCC, Valletta
• When: Saturday 7th February 2026
• Time: 19:30

Buy Tickets From Here

Carnival Market at Palazzo Parisio

• Venue: Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar
• When: Sunday 15th February 2026
• Time: 11:00 to 18:00

View event information

KARNIVALATA – L-AKBAR BALLU TAL-KARNIVAL!

• Venue: Aria Complex, Iklin
• When: Sunday 15th February 2026
• Time: 21:00

View event information

summer carnival in malta

A relatively new event added to the Maltese calendar is the Summer Carnival in Malta, another carnival apart from the traditional one held in February. This event which has been showcased several times has been hosted in several towns across the island.

This event is aimed to bring the carnival spirit during the warm period of the year, hence why it is celebrated during August.

When will the Summer Carnival in Malta be held?

Summer Carnival in Malta will be held between Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd August 2026

This event is perfect for anyone travelling to the island during the summer period. Take note of the dates so that you can join the fun!

The last Summer Carnival was held across three different Maltese localities, namely Birżebbuġa, Buġibba and Marsaskala. It featured a total of 11 traditional carnival floats accompanied by local dancers.

“Every year, the Carnival of Malta that we organise in February manages to attract thousands of Maltese and tourists. However, many tourists visiting our country in the summer do not get the chance to experience the art and craftsmanship of the Carnival. Thus, the Summer Carnival serves as a means to showcase the talents of amateur carnival artists to a broader audience at a time when our country sees the most tourists throughout the year,” - This is a statement from Aaron Zahra, the Chairman of Festivals Malta.

tips on visiting carnival in malta

Whether you are a local or a tourist who is eager to join both the traditional carnival and the summer carnival, here are some tips you should consider to ensure an amazing experience.

Costumes: Around the island, you will find plenty of shops selling different types of costumes, both for adults and children. On this day, people usually wear fancy costumes and also costumes impersonating popular characters attracting the attention of the crowd and making the atmosphere livelier.

Colourful Floats: From months before, several companies prepare their extravagantly artistic coloured floats, which are displayed on lorries and trailers. During the evening, during the defile’, another aspect of the floats emerges when they are lit up with LED lighting changing the dimension of the float to a different atmosphere of colours.

Choose the Right Time: Throughout the year, two carnivals take place. The main carnival which takes place in February and is mostly centred in Valletta, Floriana and Gozo. The summer carnival, held in August in places like Buġibba, Birżebbuġa, and Marsaskala, occurs during the warmer months. where a lot of swimmers and tourists gather.

Plan Your Itinerary: If you are keen on seeing the events held throughout the period of carnival, it is wise to plan and book any ticket you need beforehand. Check the schedule of events on this page, which includes all the relevant links to book tickets. Note that the program will be released closer to the dates.

Local Cuisine: Make sure to try some of the local carnival cuisine treats such as the "Prinjolata", a traditional sweet made during the carnival season. The discovery of local food can be a great experience that enriches your cultural awareness.

Photography: Do not forget to bring with you a camera if you want to take pictures of the sights you see! A mobile phone would also be a good option. As you walk through the streets, you will find costumes and floats that make for excellent photo opportunities.

Carnival In Malta Locations

Below is some helpful information about some of the locations where Carnival in Malta is always celebrated.

Capital City, Valletta

Since Valletta is Malta's capital city, it is a major location where carnival is held. On the days of the festival, costumes and floats will be judged, artistic performances will take place, and there will be street parties. In Valletta, Carnival is not only a festive event but also a cultural event that demonstrates Maltese traditions and craftsmanship, attracting both locals and tourists.

Below find some information about the Carnival in Valletta:

• Valletta Defile: The defile in the capital starts from Auberge de Castille, moves along Merchant Street, turns to Archbishop Street, then to Republic Street where it continues all along up to the Triton Fountain outside of Valletta fortification walls.
  
• Floriana Defile: On the last day of carnival, the grand final is held in St Anne's Street Floriana.
• Participation: The defiles are all free of charge. It is only possible to purchase seated tickets to see the dances by the various participating groups.
• Parking: MCP car park is available or else on the outside of Valletta.

Rabat & Victoria, Gozo

On the island of Gozo, Rabat (Victoria) celebrates Carnival in a contrasting yet vibrant manner. There are traditional floats, costumes, and lively gatherings in the main square, It-Tokk (Independence Square), reflecting Victoria's rich cultural tapestry.

• Location: It-Tokk (Independence Square), Rabat
• Participation: Free for everyone.
  
• Parking: Around the streets of Rabat or in its vicinity.

Nadur Village, Gozo

Nadur Spontaneous Carnival is held every year attracting around 25,000 visitors especially youths who come over from Malta. The most popular is the spontaneous defile’ held after sunset where everyone can participate and dress in all sorts of costumes made up from any materials to imaginative ideas.

The streets are thronged with people wearing funny, grotesque masks to macabre masks and costumes.

• Location: Nadur Main Village Square, Gozo
  
• Program: There are a variety of activities for children to adults.
• Parking: Nadur might be closed, so you will need to find parking around the outskirts of Nadur or some parts where it will be open.

Transport for both Rabat and Nadur: If you are coming from Malta you have to prepare to come early with the ferry. Be prepared to queue for the boat for quite some time.

malta february carnival map

The Rich History of Malta's Carnival: A Tapestry of Tradition and Festivity

The festivities of Carnival in Malta date back to 1535, just under 500 years, during the time of the Knights of St. John. It is an annual traditional event held in February or March depending on the occurrence of Ash Wednesday. During the few days of carnival, elaborate floats, extravagant costumes, and spirited parades take to the different villages around Malta and Gozo.

The meaning of the term "Carnival" derives from the Italian word "Carne vale" meaning "meat is allowed". This reflects the Christian tradition of feasting before the Lent period.

The Maltese Carnival developed into a form of cultural resistance during the British colonial period, when locals used masks to undermine colonial rule subtly, making it an important part of Maltese culture. In the decades following independence, the carnival was revitalized through innovations in costume and float designs, as well as themes reflecting contemporary issues. In today's Carnival, Maltese identity is celebrated with modern creativity and historical reverence. It attracts tourists while maintaining its essence as a cherished local festival, featuring elaborate preparations for street parties, competitions, and food festivals.

Questions about Carnival in Malta