Traditionally, Carnival festivities are mainly held in the week preceding Ash Wednesday, which in 2025 falls on March 5th. During Carnival, everyone is allowed to wear a mask, a costume, be merry, silly and outrageous before the somber season of Lent.
Carnival will be celebrated between the 22nd February and the 4th March.
In many Catholic countries, people have decorated their homes, or put outside the traditional floats for all to see. Also in Malta, Carnival is celebrated with street installations and exhibitions that honor the centuries-old tradition.
In Gozo, the most famous and the best Carnival is celebrated in Nadur. It typically attracts thousands of visitors from both Malta and abroad. It consists of both the official organized carnival with colorful floats, costumed parades, parties, revelry and dancing – and the spontaneous people’s carnival, where the villagers take to the streets in grotesque and sarcastic costumes.
While having become less of a spontaneous culturally unique event and more of a street party over the years, Nadur carnival is still a very peculiar side of Gozitan carnival celebrations.
Carnival events held in 2025:
Organised Nadur Carnival (St Peter and St. Paul’s Square) – Sunday, 23rd of February from 12:30pm
Spontaneous Nadur Carnival (Nadur Centre) – 28th February – 4th March, daily – after sunset
Victoria Carnival Parade (Starts at the beginning of Republic Street and continues all the way to the Independence Square (It-Tokk) – Opening Parade on 22nd February at 20:00hrs then on 28th February at 18:00hrs / 1st March at 10:30hrs / 2nd March at 16:30hrs & 4th March at 17:00hrs
Xaghra Carnival (Nazzarenu Square) – 1st March at 19:00hrs (performance of local dance companies)
For pre-booking of minivan/taxi transportation to any Carnival event in Gozo contact on 21556678 or email on info@mayjocarhire.com