Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542822
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 JANUARY 2026 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Carnival revelry in 50 communities WITH the annual preparations for Car- nival 2026 now well at their peak, the news that no less than 50 different lo- calities in Malta and Gozo will be hold- ing their activities at community level is yet another confirmation of their commitment to this major cultural event on the Island. It is the best way how local councils can give their resi- dents, particularly those with restrict- ed mobility, the opportunity to enjoy and particpate in the Carnival revelry. The Directorate for Local Govern- ment this year is again assisting local councils with funds to organise such seasonal activities on the Maltese cul- tural calendar. The revelry and the sheer colours of Carnival will help cre- ate a happy and boisterous ambiance literally on the doorstep of people's own residences in our towns and vil- lages. During a Press conference addressed by the Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Govrnment, Alison Zerafa Civelli, it was annouced that no less than €250,000 of funds have been allocated to this year's Carnival festivities as part of the scheme covering seasonal cultural events. Thanks to these funds, one of the old- est cultural traditions will include the various communities in the revelry and spontaneous joy that Carnival brings with it in the streets and open spaces of Malta and Gozo. Describing Carnival as one of the most beautiful traditions that help insltil a stronger sense of community, Minister Owen Bonnici said "the 50 localities celebrating Carnival around the Mal- tese Islands will be offering entertain- ment to everyone thanks to the sus- tained commitment of the Directorate for Local Government with its funding of top-quality seasonal activties. An in- itiative intended to amplify the revelry and the cultural values of Carnival with the participation and unity among our various communities." The Parliamentary Secretary for Lo- cal Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, said that thanks to the renewal of this scheme for Carnival 2026 by the Par- liamentary Secretariat in collaboration with the Directorate for Strategy and Implementation, local councils will be in a position to help preserve and bol- ster such traditions in their localities. She added the commitment is yet an- other step-by-step move in alignment with Malta Vision 2050. The Parliamentary Secretary said: "We are frequently launching schemes that help promote Maltese culture. In so doing, the government is assist- ing local councils in holding seasonal events such as Carnival in their local- ities. Immediately after the success of the recent Christmas activities, Carni- val is next on their calendar, again giv- ing residents the opportunity to enjoy this traditional celebration in their lo- calities or those in the vicinity. While the major celebrations will continue to take place in Valletta and Floriana, we are providing the opportunity for peo- ple to join in the festivities within their villages and towns." The local councils benefitting from this year Carnival funds are: Ħ'Attard, Mosta In-Naxxar, San Ġwann, San Pawl il-Baħar, L-Imtarfa, Birkirkara, Ħal Għargħur, San Ġiljan, il-Birgu, l-Isla u Bormla, Ħaż-Żabbar, il-Fgura, il-Furja- na, il-Kalkara, Paola, Ħal Tarxien, Ħal- Qormi, iż-Żejtun, Birżebbuġa, il-Gud- ja, Ħal-Għaxaq, il-Ħamrun, Ħal-Luqa, il-Marsa, Marsaxlokk, Santa Luċija, Santa Venera, is-Siġġiewi, Ħad-Dingli, Ħal-Kirkop, l-Imqabba, il-Qrendi, ir-Ra- bat Malta, Ħal Safi, iż-Żurrieq, ir-Rabat Għawdex, il-Fontana, Għajnsielem, l-Għarb, Il-Munxar, in-Nadur, il-Qala,