Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/176463
35 maltatoday, THIS WEEK SUNDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2013 Carnival to return to its original square next February AS from next year, Carnival will be organised at St George's Square, said Parliamentary Secretary for Culture and Local Government Jose' Herrera on Wednesday. He was speaking at the prizegiving ceremony for this year's Carnival. St George's Square is the original square where Carnival used to be organised almost 40 years ago, said the parliamentary secretary. He said that the decision to return Carnival to its original form was taken after listening to the participants' wishes to give a new lease of life to this feast of colour and traditon. Also from next year, floats and grotesque masks with themes of political satire themes will also be introduced, Herrera added. Other changes include the organisation of a whole evening of activities in Valletta on Carnival Saturday. "These activities will be very similar to those organised during Notte Bianca, but with a Carnivalesque theme," Herrera said, adding that he believes that traditions and culture can be used to regenerate the local economy. The parliamentary secretary also announced that as a sign of goodwill fines issued this year will be waived. "I believe in the participants of Carnival but, more than that, I believe in Carnival. And because I believe in Carnival, with new blood and new leadership, we will be giving a push to revamp this feast," said the parliamentary secretary. He said that recently the Malta Knights. Its origins go back 400 years and it has always been organised in Valletta as the capital city. A number of studies have reflected this. Apart from this, Valletta also contains authentic proof which shows that Carnival used to be organised in the capital, such as the stone – nowadays covered in glass for public viewing – in St George's Square which used to be used to hold up the kukkanja flagpole. Throughout the years, Carnival has shown itself to be a mecca for arts and artists. Whole family generations have been brought up on papiermâché, dance, costumes and masks. It was thanks to these people – and not that of the authorities – that Carnival has attained its status, Jason Busuttil said. Carnival 2014 will be held between 28 February and 3 March 2014. Carnival is supported by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts Download the MaltaToday App now Carnival director Jason Busuttil (left) and Parliamentary Secretary for Culture Jose Herrera Council for Culture and the Arts appointed a Carnival director, whose first success was marked by the Summer Carnival's success. During the ceremony – which was organised at Fortress Builders in Valletta – Carnival director 370. PYGMY WHITE-TOOTHED SHREW Shrews are small mammals, and the pygmy white-toothed is the smallest among the small – indeed it was for long believed to be the smallest mammal on the planet (until a seriously minute bat was discovered). The Pygmy Whitetoothed Shrew (Bugeddum) is related to hedgehogs but as it looks rather like a mouse it all too often is persecuted as vermin, which it most certainly is not (it is, in fact, a protected species). Shrews aren't interested in raiding grainstores, but are instead excellent hunters of creepy crawlies, and a cockroach stands no chance once the shrew's long nose locks on its scent. It's also very timid, which is why not many people get to see this endearing creature. The Pygmy doesn't occur in Gozo either, but then the Gozitans have a different species! Have you signed the anti spring-hunting referendum petition? Please write to cashmalta2013@gmail.com. Thanks. Text Victor Falzon Photo Raymond Galea Jason Busuttil explained that the defilé of floats would leave from Merchants Street, Archbishop Street and Republic Street. He said that a marathon of activities would be organised on Saturday evening until late into the night. Busuttil also announced that contacts are currently underway for exchanges with Carnivals abroad, such as those of Viareggio and Notting Hill. In Malta Carnival has been organised since the time of the Car Free Day Today! Car Free Day is being organised today in various cities throughout the world in different ways, but with the common goal reducing the number of cars on the streets. The benefit to greater society is a day with less traffic congestion, a greener environment and reduced fuel demand. Today, Car Free Day includes celebrations in 1,500 cities in 40 countries. Photography, fun run, walks, cycling and talks are among the activities being organised in Malta. These events should encourage people to leave their car in the garage and think about being less dependent on cars. But this should not just be a one off event and once people get out of their cars, they should stay out of their cars more often. It is up to the people and our governments to help create permanent change for the benefit of pedestrians and users of greener modes of transportation. Friends of the Earth Malta would like to invite you to share your individual experience with alternative means of transport in Malta. Maybe you'll be using the services of Arriva, or perhaps your own bicycle. For shorter distances you might try walking or maybe even using some exotic vehicle like a donkey cart. Whatever mode of transportation you decide to use, let us know about your own picturesque experience with car freeness. More information can be found at http://www. foemalta.org/carfreeday This event is being made possible with support provided by MEPA. Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us www.foemalta.org. You can also support us by sending a blank SMS donation on 50618070 (€4.66) or 50619223 (€11.65). GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 272 GARDEN POTS – If you use eco-friendly washing up liquid, you can use washing up water to give most potted flowers and shrubs a drink.