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10 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 6 FEBRUARY 2026 CULTURE Carnival and Valentine's in Gozo – A ARE you already looking for one good reason to visit the island of Gozo in early February 2026? This year's calendar offers an appealing overlap. Carnival in Gozo will take place from 7 to 17 February, while Valentine's in Gozo will be celebrated across the island from 31 Jan- uary to 14 February. The result is a stretch of days where col- our, creativity, music and ro- mance come together, making it an ideal time to plan a winter escape to Gozo. With Valentine's Day falling right in the middle of Carni- val week, visitors can enjoy the lively energy of regional carnival celebrations along- side a programme of Val- entine's-themed events that place music, art, food and vil- lage life firmly at the centre of the experience. From fam- ily-friendly daytime activities to evening performances and intimate cultural moments, February in Gozo offers variety without feeling rushed. If you are planning to visit the island of Gozo during the car- nival period, it is worth famil- iarising yourself with the Gozo Carnival events, particularly those taking place between 13 and 17 February. What to expect from Carnival in Gozo Carnival in Gozo is well known for its strong communi- ty involvement and its balance between tradition and creativ- ity. • If you are travelling with family, you will appreci- ate the colourful parades filled with flamboyant floats, dancers and per- formers. The main pa- rade takes place along Victoria's main street, concluding at Independ- ence Square, where car- nival companies present choreographed perfor- mances. Alongside the main event, several villag- es host smaller parades and street celebrations, often featuring tradi- tional dances such as the Kukkanja. Brass bands, dressed in playful and im- aginative costumes, add to the festive atmosphere. • Dance companies remain one of the highlights of Gozo's carnival. These groups compete with carefully choreographed routines and elaborate costumes built around a central theme. Inspira- tions range from folklore and fantasy to mythical worlds and imaginative realms, resulting in vis- ually striking perfor- mances where colour, movement and design come together. • Comic and satirical troupes also play an important role. Their performances rely on humour, exaggerated movement and playful interaction with the au- dience, adding a lighter and often unexpected ele- ment to the celebrations. • Nadur's spontaneous car- nival, held after sunset, offers a completely dif- ferent experience. Known for its freedom of expres- sion, satire and parody, this carnival has no fixed choreography. Costumes are often improvised, grotesque or deliberate- ly provocative, reflecting social commentary and current affairs. The at- mosphere is energetic and unpredictable, draw- ing large crowds into the streets late into the night. • No carnival visit is com- plete without tasting the Prinjolata, Gozo's tra- ditional carnival cake. This dome-shaped des- sert, filled and topped with cream, nuts, can- died fruit and colourful decorations, has its roots in pre-Lenten traditions and remains a seasonal favourite. Valentine's in Gozo – culture, creativity and shared moments Running in the days preced- ing and alongside Carnival, Valentine's in Gozo introduces a softer but equally engaging layer to February's calendar. The festival focuses on cel- ebrating love in all its forms through music, crafts, perfor- mance and shared community experiences, spread across dif- ferent localities on the island. Among the highlights: • Made with Love – Arti- san Fair at Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria takes place on several dates be- tween 31 January and 14 February, bringing to- gether local makers offer- ing handmade gifts, crafts and edible treats. • Bingo lovers can attend Qalb in Numri on 5 Feb- Carnival in Gozo is well known for its strong community involvement and its balance between tradition and creativity Nadur's spontaneous carnival, held after sunset, offers a completely different experience