The Malta Carnival will take place from February 5, 2027 to February 9, 2027.
The Malta Carnival is celebrated in various locations across the islands, with Valletta often being a central hub for the festivities.
Malta Carnival is one of the island’s oldest and most anticipated annual celebrations, held in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. With a history dating back over 500 years, the festival is deeply woven into Malta’s cultural identity. Each year, Valletta and nearby areas transform into vibrant stages filled with elaborate floats, dramatic costumes, and high-energy performances that attract both locals and international visitors.
Rooted in centuries-old European traditions, Malta Carnival blends historic pageantry with contemporary creativity. Originally flourishing during the era of the Knights of St. John, the celebration has evolved while preserving its core identity as a showcase of Maltese artistry and craftsmanship.
Unlike Caribbean-style Carnivals centered around mass participation and road marches, Malta Carnival emphasizes structured parades, competitive float displays, and choreographed dance troupes. Many of the floats are massive, intricately designed creations that take months to construct, adding a theatrical, production-driven element to the festivities.
While traditional at its core, Malta Carnival is accessible to visitors, with events scheduled throughout the day and evening. Whether you’re watching performances in designated squares or navigating the lively streets, the celebration offers a unique blend of heritage, spectacle, and Mediterranean charm.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A distinctive feature of the Malta Carnival is the Kukkanja game. Introduced in 1721, it sees crowds climb a greased pole to grab hidden food prizes, a tradition of grip, nerve, and a bit of chaos. Malta's parade is led by King Carnival, a papier-mâché float presiding over the festivities.
Date: February 5–9, 2027
Location: Valletta & Floriana, Malta
Time: Various times
Malta Carnival is one of the island’s biggest cultural celebrations, known for colorful floats, dance performances, costumes, street parties, and traditional carnival festivities across Valletta and Floriana. The full 2027 daily event schedule has not yet been published — we'll update this page as soon as it's announced.
Note: Changes to the schedule are beyond our control, so please check for updates before finalizing travel plans.
Malta is easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe or internationally.
Ready to lock in your flights? Use the search tool above to compare fares and find the best deal for your Carnival trip.
The best area to stay for Malta Carnival is Valletta — the main parades run along Republic Street and Merchant Street, with St. George’s Square at the heart of the performances and dance competitions, so staying within the walled city puts you steps from every float, show, and street party throughout the celebration.
For where to stay, see our guide: Where to stay for Malta Carnival, plus neighborhood breakdown.
Use the above map to find and book stays close to the Carnival parade route!
Getting around Malta during Carnival is easy thanks to its compact size and well-connected transport network:
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.
We’ve gathered some of our most useful Carnival travel blogs to help you plan for Malta Carnival and other global festivals:
