Dress up and get down with it:

From Friday 9 February to Sunday 11 Feb: Carnival Celebrations - Valletta

If bold colour, street music and spectacular dance competitions are your thing, head down to Valletta this weekend for the official celebrations of Carnival. While the official programme kicks off tonight, the weekend will see lots of jigging to the music, satirical floats and general merriment. On Saturday, check out the children’s carnival. The events are in full swing over the weekend with more floats, competitions and a children’s carnival taking place on Saturday. A play, organised by Teatru Malta, called L-Gharusa Karfusa, about the forbidden love between a vegetable and a fruit, is an intriguing addition. For the full programme of events, check out the Valletta 2018 website.

From Friday 9 February to Sunday 11 February: Nadur’s Spontaneous Carnival – Nadur, Gozo

Nadur’s spontaneous carnival is unique among the many manifestations of carnival. Sunset invites a multitude of masked and hooded creatures to throng the streets of Nadur – creatures wearing all kinds of funny and grotesque costumes. The events start at 7pm every evening. For more information, check out the Visit Gozo event page.

It’s a Masquerade:

Saturday 10 February: Masquerade Charity Ball featuring Skarlet and Steve Urpani - Radisson Blu, St Julian's

Have you always wanted to experience the thrill of a masked ball? If so, this is for you. Ladies Circle in collaboration with Victim Support Malta are organising a Masquerade Charity Ball at the Radisson Blu Resort in St Julian’s, to raise funds to assist victims of sexual assault, rape and domestic violence. Tickets are 35 euros, including finger food and two-hour open bar. Ticket Hotline is ‭99423489 or via email on ‬[email protected]/[email protected]. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Alternative Carnival activities:

Saturday 10 February: ★ SICK Carnival ★ – Tigullio, St Julians

If you like to dress up but would like to do something different, why not head down to Tigullio in St Julian's, where the best in indie rock and alternative tunes will be played? DJs Steven Meli (Indie/Alternative), I.YOU (Electro/Alternative), Gabrielle & Klaudia (Alternative/Synth Wave/Electronica), LVEX (Darkwave/Industrial/Electroclash), Gorgobot (Indie/Electro/Alternative) are on hand to keep you moving all night long. Entrance is just 5 euros and free booze will be given to the most absurdly dressed punters! For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page. 

Travel back in time:

Saturday 10 February: Open Day at Hagar Qim and Mnjadra megalithic temples – Qrendi

On the Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples are open to the public for free. These mysterious standing stone structures are among the oldest and best preserved in the world. And while not much is known about the temple builders, a century and a half of archaeological study has revealed some fascinating details of life during the period, as well as illuminating the connection between the temple complex and celestial bodies. The site is open from 9am to 5pm, with guided tours taking place at 11am and 2pm; the adjacent interactive visitor centre will also be open. For more information, check out the Facebook event page.

Music at the theatre:

Friday 9 February from 8pm: Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Concert ‘Carmen Fantasy’ – Teatru Manoel, Valletta

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra have a reputation for spectacular events and this is no different, featuring music from Stuart Sankey’s Carmen Fantasy. Sankey, the 20th century American double bass pedagogue dedicated his career to expanding the instrument’s repertoire and his Carmen Fantasy, inspired by Bizet’s famous opera, will be the centrepiece of this Malta Philharmonic Orchestra concert. Directed by the MPO’s resident conductor Michael Laus and taking place at the Teatru Manoel, the concert also features a performance of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony and Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye. For more information, visit Teatru Manoel or the Malta Orchestra site.

For Foodies:

Saturday 10 February: Jerusalem Night at The Grassy Hopper – Gzira

Vegan eatery The Grassy Hopper is celebrating the mix of cultures that is Jerusalem by focusing on the way food can be the glue between communities and religions. Taking inspiration from chefs such as Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, the chefs at this popular outlet will choose some of the plant based dishes from both sides of Jerusalem. Dishes such as majadra, barley risotto, chermoula eggplant with bulgur and vegan yoghurt and root vegetable slaw with labneh will be served. All dishes will cost between 10 and 12 euro. For bookings, email [email protected] or call 2131 1676. For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page.