Malta Carnival 2026

Malta Carnival 2026

Carnival in Malta is an epic event, held across the island with the main parade taking pride of place in Valletta. Pack your costumes and get ready to party. As they say in Malta, “Viva Viva l-Karnival!”

• Book your stay early in the capital Valletta, the Carnival attracts thousands of international visitors. Stay in La Falconeria, rated “Wonderful” by guests, featuring stylish designer rooms, a modern gym and stunning city views.

The Event

• Thurs 12th February – Wed 18th February 2026 – Carnival is one of the oldest historical festivals in Malta, spanning the last five centuries, dating back to the Knights’ of St John’s occupancy of Malta.
• The Carnival celebrations are steeped in tradition and there are various activities taking place across the island over the Carnival weekend.
• Events in the capital Valletta kick off on Friday, while other events across the islands begin on Thursday and run through to Ash Wednesday.
• The most popular events take place in Valletta, Florina and Nadur.

The Carnival Floats & Parades

• Malta’s Carnival features distinct floats, masks and choreographed dances, developed from traditions passed down through history.
• Carnival festivities last a full five days, with fierce rivalry between Valletta and Floriana. This rivalry has brought on innovative celebrations including finely decorated horses and carriages and amazing fireworks displays.

Malta Carnival Traditions

• As years have passed,  other Carnival traditions have followed suit, including Carnival floats pulled by mules, the Qarċilla, a fake satiric wedding which still takes place today, and the Kukkanja in St George’s Square Valletta, a game still popular in Gozo where participants need to climb a greasy pole while avoiding obstacles.
• The folk dance il-Maltija is also very popular during the festivities, with most locals attending dancing lessons after the Christmas period to prepare their dances for Carnival.
• Stay just steps from the Carnival celebrations at The Cumberland Hotel, rated “Excellent” by guests with exceptional breakfasts, perfect location and beautifully decorated rooms. Our top choice for convenience. 

Malta Carnival Parades

• Valletta – The Capital – The mainstay of Maltese Carnival are the incredible epic, giant carnival floats and the main parades!
• The local carnival groups spend a whole year in secrecy preparing for the four days of events to participate and compete in the Carnival parade.
• Float building in Malta is an art form that is passed down from generation to generation through the family’s. Float builders take great pride and enthusiasm in their work.
• The main parades take place in Floriana and Valletta.

The Carnival Parade Schedule 2026

• Events run from Friday to Tuesday. Celebrations kick off at 6 pm on Friday with the opening day events and the King Carnival Parade through the streets of Valletta.
• Parades begin at Republic Street and finish at St George’s Square, featuring competitive dances, bands and Grotesque Masks.
• Events end on Tuesday with a grand exhibition of carnival floats parading along St. Anne Street, Floriana, a fortified town in the South Eastern Region area of Malta, just outside the capital city Valletta. Start time: 6:00pm onwards.
• Awaiting the full day-by-day schedule for the 2025 event.

Carnival Parties

• Friday 13th Feb – Sunday 15th Feb 2026 – Carnival festivities include prolific late-night street parties in Valletta old town throughout Carnival, however the busiest days are the weekend, from Friday to Sunday.
• Anyone can dress up, wear a mask and let loose! Enjoy the simple merriment, spontaneity, and downright silliness of the weekend. The carnival spirit in Malta is something to behold!
• Stay in the centre of Valletta, close to the street parties. The capital has some stylish boutique hotels located in refurbished period and historical buildings.

Gay Malta Carnival Events

• Lollipop hosts a Special Edition of their pop-up party with a unique Carnival theme each year.
• The party runs throughout the year with more than 15 different events scheduled.
• Lollipop Carnival edition will take place on Saturday 1st March, 2025.

Carnival in Nadur

• Awaiting dates – The Organised Carnival
• Awaiting dates  – The Spontaneous Carnival
• Another key carnival celebration takes place in the village of Nadur on the island of Gozo.
• Carnival in Nadur, a small village in Gozo, is one of the main places to be for carnival during the weekend.
• Its celebrations are quite different to Valletta.
• The Nadur “Spontaneous” celebrations are not organised by any committee, instead it is a big spur of the moment street party! Anything can happen, which is part of the fun.
• Events take place at St Peter & St Paul Square
• The biggest event runs from from 7 pm on Sunday and run until the next day ending at 3am.
• The island books up well in advance for Carnival, so plan months ahead! – BOOK NOW

Where to stay in Valletta during Carnival?

The following Malta Hotels are close to the city’s Carnival celebrations:

Hilton Malta,    InterContinental,    Hugo’s Boutique,    Holiday Inn

Discover where to party, play and stay with our insider gay guide to Malta.