It’s clear from the Carnival floats and costumes popping up across the islands over the past few days that they often reflect the local and international scenes of the time. If you’re a politician or celebrity making waves when costume prep begins, you can bet you’ll be featured!

A photo from Malta’s Carnival in 1958 proves that this tradition has been around for quite some time. The image shows a float designed as a rocket and an old-style pilot, with the words 'Mars' and 'Jupiter' emblazoned on its side - a clear nod to the intense space race between the United States and the Soviet Union during that era.

This glimpse into the past highlights how Carnival has always been a stage for social commentary and global events, merging creativity with current affairs. Just as today's floats capture modern trends and headlines, this 1958 tribute to space exploration shows that even decades ago, Maltese Carnival was looking beyond Earth - quite literally - to find inspiration!

Do you remember any other iconic floats from the past?