Are you already looking for one reason to visit the island of Gozo in 2024? Carnival comes very early this year, and it might be the ideal time to plan a fun weekend and a colourful getaway in Gozo. And topping that up is that St. Valentine’s Day, the 14th of February, will be right at the end of the Carnival celebrations resulting in a variety of Valentines events.
As there’s no time to lose, it is vital to get to the basics and book your accommodation today! You can opt to stay in an idyllic country farmhouse, in one of the luxurious hotels or in stylish boutique hotels. Be they in the centre of Victoria, at the village core or at the outskirts, there is no doubt that Gozo’s boutique hotels leave nothing to be desired for a comfortable and stylish holiday.
Once the accommodation has been handled, it’s essential to get to know the Gozo Carnival Events happening from the 9th to the 13th of February. Bookmark this site (www.eventsingozo.com), as it is always the hub of all events happening in Gozo.
Here’s what you can expect out of the five days of regional carnival in Gozo:
- If you’re after a family-friendly carnival, you’ll be glad to discover that the Gozo carnival is about colourful parades exhibiting flamboyant floats, dancers and performers. Gozo’s main parade is held through the main street in Victoria and ends in Independence Square, where each carnival company will perform a dance or put on some performance. Whilst all the children’s dance companies, the adult dance companies, the hilarious dance troupes, the grotesque masks and the triumphal floats will all be present at the Victoria parade, some of the Gozitan villages will also hold carnival street parties and smaller parades. Some villages are also associated with typical dances like the Kukkanja. Traditional brass bands participating will ditch their usual smart uniforms and wear colourful costumes as dictated by the festive Carnival spirit.
- Carnival in Gozo is not complete without the dance companies! Check out the dance companies that compete with each other with choreographed dances and elaborate costumes coordinated to their dance theme. Whether the inspiration is the mythical world or harks of folk, fairy fantasies, or far-flung ultra-galactic kingdoms, the ‘whimsical’ takes over and the costume designers always wow with a unified visual impact where flowers, feathers, frills, and fringes rule the day along with sequins and glitter.
- The hilarious troupes will often come onto the scene with a comical act. Like the dance companies, they too will have their costumes, but their performances are usually focused on jokes, exaggerated movements, skits or playful interactions with the spectators.
- The village of Nadur, synonymous with the after-sunset carnival, is home to the spontaneous carnival, where the freedom of expression has merged with satire and parody, often presenting a unique, daring, possibly irreverent and even macabre spectacle of revellers who throng the streets. The bizarre costumes sometimes resemble a social commentary and reflect the international and local political scene. The energetic vibe of this carnival is like no other, as revellers interact with each other and passersby, fusing an eclectic atmosphere. Don’t expect any cheoregraphed dances at Nadur and many of the acts are grotesque routines by a small group and antics by a one-man show.
- Finally, don’t forget to get a slice of the Prinjolata, Gozo’s typical Carnival cake. This dome-shaped cake has a rich taste and is covered with cream, glace cherries, nuts, candied fruits and colourful sprinkles. Traditionally, the prinjolata was the last sweet indulgence before Lent when people fasted and restrained from sweets until Easter.
While traditionally, the carnival ending heralded the sombre and solemn period of Lent, this year, Gozo will celebrate Valentine’s Day from the 14th to the 18th of February, meaning there’s more reason to celebrate. Musical concerts, an artisanal market at Villa Rundle Gardens (which will be decorated for the season), a Drive-In Movie Night, a Retro Cinema evening, a musical literary evening, and an activity at Ta’ Dbieġi Crafts & Artisinal Village are all part of the Valentines events that you can enjoy with your loved ones in Gozo during this season in Gozo.
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