The Colourful Gozo Carnival 2018

Gozo Carnival 2018

 

Gozo Carnival 2018 starts on Thursday 8 February and lasts till Tuesday 13 February.

It is an annual event which lasts five days.

But did you know that in Malta and Gozo Carnival has been celebrated for almost 500 years?

Carnival meaning

But what is the meaning of Carnival? 

Well, the word Carnival comes from an Italian phrase, carne vale, which means ‘meat is allowed’. 

This is because Carnival is a five day long activities celebrated exactly before the 40-day long Lent time where in the Middle Ages, Roman Catholic religion did not permit meat consumption during Lent time.

Short History of Malta and Gozo Carnival

Carnival in Malta and Gozo was introduced in the year 1535 by Grandmaster Del Ponte.

That is exactly five years after the Knights of St. John came to Malta.  First it was the Knights who used to take part in Carnival activities and later during the years, the local people started to take part as well.

Gradually but constantly, Malta and Gozo Carnival grew in popularity and complexity too.

This year is 483 years after the first Carnival was held in the Maltese islands.

But for some time, Carnival was not allowed in Malta and Gozo.

In fact in 1639, Grandmaster Lascaris ordered that no woman could put on masks or costumes representing the devil.

The population of the islands absolutely did not like Lascaris’ decision because Carnival had already became part of the local cultural activities on the islands.

Throughout the centuries, Carnival was always celebrated in February, just before Lent time. However, in Malta and Gozo, Carnival was celebrated in the month of May between 1972 and 1987. 

From 1988 till to the present time, Carnival in Gozo and Malta is celebrated in its proper time – the month of February.

Gozo Carnival 2018

Nowadays, on Gozo, two types of Carnival are held each year – the organised and spontaneous Carnival.

Organised Carnival

Gozo Carnival Nadur

Organised Carnival is held in capital Victoria and around several towns and villages of Gozo.

Preparations for the organised Carnival start very early, for some activities even a year before.

Different, small and large, colourful costumes as well as big Carnival floats are prepared by very dedicated Gozitans who made Carnival part and parcel of their lifestyle.

Various groups meet together and do weekly rehearsals.  For instance, dance groups start rehearsing in the summer season, that is about six months before Carnival time.

 

Spontaneous Carnival

Courtesy: Nadur Local Council.
Courtesy: Nadur Local Council.

Spontaneous Carnival is perhaps a more traditional Carnival more popular in the villages rather than in capital Victoria.

Nadur is certainly the place to be to enjoy the spontaneous Gozo Carnival 2018.

Similar to organised Carnival, it lasts five days or better five consecutive nights between Friday and Tuesday.

During these nights, people on individual or family or friends basis dress any sort of Carnival costumes and parade in the main streets and square of Nadur village.

No doubt, during the spontaneous Carnival, what you’ll see will surely exceed your expectations!

 

 

In Malta and Gozo, Carnival is a feast shared by all generations, young and old.

Carnival is so deeply rooted in Maltese history that became one of the annual principal events of the cultural calendar.

No wonder so many visitors return to experience the Malta and Gozo Carnival each year in February!

Viva Viva l-Karnival / Long live Carnival time! 

 

Adventures in Gozo – Alex Vizeo’s activity holidays on the island of Gozo

Adventures in Gozo - Alex Vizeo

 

 

Travel blogger Alex Vizeo visited the island of Gozo, Malta and this is his adventures in Gozo – a colourful story in video and pictures.

Alex has been travelling and filming the world now since 2011. His travels were certainly a great success.

If you’ve the adventure spirit or simply thinking what can you do more on Gozo during your holidays, well… check out Alex’s video.

You’ll certainly enjoy some really great adventures on Gozo.

360 degrees Gozo panoramas by Vizeo from land, sea and air. Wonderful!

There is no doubt that Alex enjoyed his adventures in Gozo holidays.

Many memories from local Gozo wine tasting to visiting the local fruit and vegetables market, getting the fresh catch of the day, cooking with the local chef, tasting the local pizza known as ftira, visiting the Salt Pans and eating out in one of the best restaurants and having a local Cisk lager in probably the most popular pub on the island of Gozo… just few minutes walk from Mediterranea Seaviews boutique self catering accommodation.

In his blog, Alex was amazed to discover the natural beauty of Gozo island, but even more the unique character of the island of Gozo – luckily, as he wrote, still different, more tranquil and peaceful than other places visited.  He was also highly impressed by the hospitality of the local people.  In fact in his travel blog he described the island of Gozo as un petit paradis meaning a little paradise. Merci et bon voyage!

Adventures in Gozo

Unforgettable moments from Alex’s adventures in Gozo while visiting the turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon on a very quiet day.

 

Adventures in Gozo

Lovely panoramic views of the Maltese islets during Alex’s adventures in Gozo

 

Adventures in Gozo

One of the most instagramed pictures – sunset by the Fungus Rock in Dwejra bay on Gozo island.

If you are looking for adventure holidays in Europe or activity holidays in Malta, Gozo is the place to be… whether it is cliff climbing, sea kayaking, diving, snorkeling, horse riding, cycling and the local gastronomy.

 

Gozo by bike – Free bicycles to all guests at HolidaysonGozo.com

Gozo by bike
At Holidays on Gozo,we provide all guests with free new bicycles so you can enjoy Gozo by bike.
At Holidays on Gozo,we provide all guests with free new bicycles so you can enjoy Gozo by bike.

Whether it is your first or tenth visit to the island of Gozo, Malta, discovering Gozo by bike is an experience in itself.

Narrow and winding streets in the small villages nestling around the hills of the island and amazing sea view panoramas while cycling in countryside and coastal paths around the island… are just two reasons why you should give it a try.

Enjoy great views while discovering Gozo by bike
Enjoy great views while discovering Gozo by bike

Very often as travellers we try to go local – understand, visit, do and eat the local way. Cycling certainly gives you this opportunity to connect with the local people of Gozo and Malta.

Stopping for lunch in a local bakery and dine the local way or pop in a little grocery and why not… have a chat with the local fruit and vegetables hawker who visits each and every street of the village day in day out.

And why not having a cold drink or a cup of tea or coffee with some delicious local cheesecakes or peacakes in one of the local band club cafes or the corner pub in the village square!

Gozo pizza Maxokk

Another great reason to discover Gozo by bike is that on Gozo practically all the locals speak English and other languages too…. not to mention the hospitality which certainly is striking! Should you ever need any help, rest assured that someone somewhere on Gozo will go out of his or her way to help you!

As local hosts and travellers, we fully understand the environmental sustainability issues on the island of Gozo and Malta.

For this reason, we highly recommend the use of public transport on land and also at sea.

Gozo by bike map

Besides, to encourage all our guests to discover Malta and Gozo by bike, at Mediterranea Seaviews Gozo Holiday Home, we provide all our guests with free new bicycles, helmets, locks, Gozo bike routes, bike maps and guidebooks to enjoy cycling in Gozo the local way.

Please do not hesitate to write us on email  or whatsapp us on +356 99 249 187.

We would be certainly delighted to help you!