Event Details
Malta Carnival 2027 – Europe's Most Ancient Carnival on the Mediterranean
Malta Carnival, known in Maltese as Karnival ta' Malta, is one of Europe's oldest and most spectacular carnival celebrations. From 5 to 9 February 2027, the baroque capital Valletta transforms into a dazzling display of enormous floats, elaborate costumes, grotesque masks and competitive dance performances. The tradition stretches back more than 500 years to the era of the Knights of St. John, who introduced carnival festivities to the island in the 15th century.
Highlights
- King Carnival Parade – the opening procession through Republic Street on the first evening from 6:00 PM
- Daily parades featuring giant papier-mâché floats and grotesque masks along Republic Street and St. George's Square
- Competitive dance performances by various groups in traditional costumes at St. George's Square
- Children's morning programmes with school performances and family-friendly parades
- Traditional theatrical satire (Il-Qarċilla) – a classic Maltese carnival farce
- Grand finale in Floriana – the last float parade along St. Anne's Street from 6:00 PM on the final day
- The Kukkanja ritual – the symbolic burning of King Carnival marking the start of Lent
- Late-night street parties in Valletta's Old Town throughout the weekend
Program
The celebrations open on Friday, 5 February 2027 at 6:00 PM with the King Carnival Parade along Republic Street to St. George's Square. Each day that follows features morning and afternoon programmes: school performances, competitive dance shows, float parades and the grotesque mask processions that define Malta's carnival identity.
The festival closes with the Grand Finale on Tuesday, 9 February 2027 in Floriana, where the last great float parade moves along St. Anne's Street from 6:00 PM. The evening culminates with the Kukkanja ceremony, during which a large effigy of King Carnival is set ablaze, symbolically closing the carnival season and welcoming the beginning of Lent.
Admission & Tickets
Street parades and the general carnival atmosphere are completely free for all visitors. Tickets may be required for specific seated areas at St. George's Square during the competitive dance shows. These tickets are typically made available through the Malta Tourism Authority and local ticket platforms, both online and at the venue. Full ticketing details for 2027 will be published closer to the date on the official website.
Key Venues
- St. George's Square (Pjazza San Ġorġ), Valletta – main stage for dance competitions and programme events
- Republic Street & Merchant Street, Valletta – official parade routes through the historic city
- St. Anne's Street, Floriana – the grand finale venue on the last evening
- Nadur, Gozo – the spontaneous and satirical alternative carnival on the sister island
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early: The best spots along Republic Street and around St. George's Square fill up quickly. For the Friday opening parade, aim to be in position by 5:00 PM at the latest.
- Use public transport: Valletta is very restricted for cars during carnival. Buses and ferries from surrounding towns are strongly recommended. The MCP car park on the outskirts of Valletta is available if you need to drive.
- Wear a costume or mask: Dressing up deepens the experience considerably. Costume shops across Malta stock outfits during the weeks leading up to carnival.
- Book accommodation well in advance: Valletta has limited hotel capacity. Hotels in Sliema, St. Julian's and other nearby areas fill up fast during carnival week.
- Try the local carnival food: Prinjolata, a traditional Maltese sweet made from pine nuts and chocolate, is the classic carnival treat and is available in bakeries across the island during the season.
- February evenings in Malta can be cooler than expected; bring a light jacket for the evening parades.
