Malta Carnival
When is the 2026 Malta Carnival?
The Malta Carnival will occur from February 13, 2026, to February 17, 2026.
Where is the Malta Carnival celebrated?
The Malta Carnival is celebrated in various locations across the islands, with Valletta often being a central hub for the festivities.
What is Malta Carnival?
The Malta Carnival has a rich history dating back several centuries. Malta’s Carnival reached its peak popularity in the 1530s during the Knights of Jerusalem era. Grandmaster Pierino Del Ponte’s reign saw the grandeur of ‘The Carnival Mad Days,’ with nobles in extravagant attire attending masked balls and feasts while common folk took to the streets in makeshift costumes. It has evolved over time, incorporating various influences from different cultures and traditions and allowing people to indulge in festivities, costumes, and merriment. Today, Carnival in Malta remains a cherished celebration of unity, entertainment, and creativity, representing a significant part of the island’s heritage. The festivities have expanded, with summer editions in both Malta and Gozo, culminating in a grandiose event loved by all, as expressed in the Maltese saying: “Viva Viva l-Karnival!”
What to Expect at Malta’s Carnival?
The Malta Carnival is a lively and colorful celebration that takes place annually on the islands of Malta. Rooted in a rich historical tradition, the carnival serves as a pre-Lenten festivity, providing a period of merriment and revelry before the start of the Lenten season.
Here is what you can expect at the Malta Carnival:
Elaborate Costumes and Masks
Participants in the Malta Carnival don vibrant and imaginative costumes, often adorned with intricate details and bright colors. Masks play a significant role, adding an element of mystery and theatricality to the festivities.
Lively Parades
Central to the carnival are lively parades featuring floats, marching bands, and enthusiastic participants. The parades wind through the streets of towns and cities, captivating onlookers with music, dance, and creative displays.
Traditional Characters
The carnival often showcases traditional characters and themes, incorporating elements of local folklore and mythology. These characters contribute to the unique identity of the Malta Carnival and add a touch of cultural richness to the celebrations.
Community Involvement
The Malta Carnival is a community-driven event, with schools, local organizations, and individuals actively engaging in the preparations and celebrations. This collective involvement reflects the unity and shared spirit of the Maltese people.
Street Celebrations
The streets come alive with spontaneous celebrations, where both locals and visitors actively participate. Music, dance, and a general atmosphere of joy contribute to the festive ambiance that characterizes the Malta Carnival.
Kukkanja Ritual
A distinctive feature of the Malta Carnival is the Kukkanja ritual. During this ceremony, a large effigy representing King Carnival is paraded through the streets and later set ablaze. This symbolic act marks the conclusion of the carnival season and the beginning of Lent.
2026 Malta Carnival Schedule
Carnival Exhibition
Date: Jan 21 – Feb 22, 2026
Location: Atrium, Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier, Valletta, Malta
Time: Tue–Fri: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Sat–Sun: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The Carnival Exhibition explores Malta’s long-standing Carnival traditions through costumes, masks, floats, and artistic installations that highlight the island’s cultural heritage.
Malta Carnival Opening Programme
Date: Feb 13, 2026
Location: St George’s Square and Republic Street, Valletta, Malta
Time: 17:00–21:00 (5 PM–9 PM)
The official opening of Malta Carnival showcases competitive dance companies alongside a grand parade led by King Carnival and large-scale Carnival floats.
Saturday Morning Carnival Programme
Date: Feb 14, 2026
Location: St George’s Square and Republic Street, Valletta, Malta
Time: 09:30–11:55 (9:30 AM–11:55 AM)
A lively morning programme featuring competitive dance companies and a float parade designed for families and early Carnival revelers.
Saturday Afternoon Carnival Programme
Date: Feb 14, 2026
Location: St George’s Square and Republic Street, Valletta, Malta
Time: 17:00–19:30 (5 PM–7:30 PM)
This afternoon event brings together competitive dancers, elaborate floats, traditional bands, and grotesque masks in a high-energy Carnival showcase.
Il-Qarċilla (Traditional Carnival Farce)
Date: Feb 14, 2026
Location: Ordinance Street, Valletta, Malta
Time: 14:30, 16:00, 17:30 (2:30 PM, 4 PM, 5:30 PM)
Il-Qarċilla is Malta’s classic Carnival satire, delivering humour and social commentary through live theatrical performance during Carnival weekend.
Sunday Morning Carnival Programme
Date: Feb 15, 2026
Location: St George’s Square and Republic Street, Valletta, Malta
Time: 10:30–12:15 (10:30 AM–12:15 PM)
Competitive dance performances take centre stage, accompanied by traditional Carnival elements and live band participation.
Sunday Afternoon Carnival Programme
Date: Feb 15, 2026
Location: St George’s Square and Republic Street, Valletta, Malta
Time: 14:30–18:30 (2:30 PM–6:30 PM)
One of the main highlights of Malta Carnival, featuring the grand defile of King Carnival along with company and triumphal floats.
Carnival Dance Showcase
Date: Feb 16, 2026
Location: St George’s Square, Valletta, Malta
Time: 10:00–12:30 (10 AM–12:30 PM)
A dynamic dance showcase featuring local dance schools, competitive dance companies, and special guest performers from Gozo.
Carnival Gran Finale – Float Exhibition
Date: Feb 16, 2026
Location: St Anne Street, Floriana, Malta
Time: 18:00–22:30 (6 PM–10:30 PM)
The Carnival Gran Finale presents a grand exhibition of Carnival floats and decorative pieces, marking the closing celebrations of Malta Carnival.
Carnival Grand Float Parade
Date: Feb 17, 2026
Location: St George’s Square and main roads around Valletta, Malta
Time: 17:00–20:30 (5 PM–8:30 PM)
The final parade of Malta Carnival brings together all triumphal and company floats for a spectacular send-off to Carnival 2026.
Note: carnival organizers can switch-up routes, times, etc. at the last minute so tap the “ViewAllEvents” button to check for updates.
How to Get to Malta for Carnival?
The main gateway is Malta International Airport (MLA), located near Valletta. Direct flights arrive from major European cities such as London, Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt, as well as some seasonal connections from the Middle East and North Africa.
To score the best Carnival fares, compare prices across top travel sites like:
KAYAK – Perfect for comparing flight prices at a glance.
Expedia – Ideal if you want to bundle your flight + hotel.
Trip.com – Great for flexible travel dates and multilingual support.
Pro tip: Book early! Flights fill up fast once Aruba Carnival season kicks in!
Where Should You Stay During Malta Carnival?
Carnival events take place primarily in Valletta and Floriana, with parades and celebrations filling the streets. Staying in Valletta puts you at the heart of the action, while nearby areas like Sliema and St. Julian’s provide more nightlife and waterfront options.
Use the above map to find and book stays close to the Carnival parade route!
How to Get Around Malta During Carnival?
Malta is compact, and transport options make it easy to move between Carnival events and other attractions:
Public Buses: Malta has an extensive bus network that connects Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s, and other parts of the island.
Walking: Valletta is highly walkable, and most Carnival events are within walking distance if you stay in or near the city.
Rental Cars: Useful if you plan to explore beyond Carnival and visit other parts of Malta or Gozo.
What Else Can You Do in Malta During Carnival?
Wander through the silent city of Mdina, cruise the Blue Lagoon in Comino for the clearest waters you’ve ever seen, or explore the dramatic Blue Grotto sea caves. Want something a little more chill? Sip wine at a local vineyard, enjoy a seaside dinner in Marsaxlokk, or hop on a sunset boat tour to see Malta glow in gold.
Here are a few top-rated ways to level up your Malta Carnival trip:
Looking for More Carnival Travel Advice?
We’ve gathered some of our most useful Carnival travel blogs to help you plan for Malta Carnival and other global festivals:
Handy Travel Resources for Your Carnival Trip
Expedia
Book flights, hotels, and car rentals in one place and score package discounts for your carnival getaway.
Hostelworld
Find fun, affordable hostels close to carnival routes and meet other travelers.
Welcome Pickups
Enjoy a seamless ride from the airport to your hotel for a smooth start and finish to your carnival adventure.
Tripadvisor
Read real reviews, compare experiences, and book unforgettable adventures to enhance your Carnival getaway.
Airalo
Stay connected with Airalo eSIMs — affordable, instant data for any destination, no SIM swaps or roaming stress!
VisitorsCoverage
Get reliable travel insurance for medical issues, trip delays, or lost bags.
NordVPN
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AirHelp
Claim compensation if your carnival flights get delayed or canceled.
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