Carnival is one of the oldest historical festivals in Malta, with just under five centuries of documented history dating back to the Knights of St John’s occupancy in Malta. Spread over six days just before lent in Valletta and in villages around Malta and Gozo, Carnival takes over the streets in a spectacle that merges choreography with spontaneous theatre. New artistic creations are born, and old traditions are kept alive and revived, particularly with the revival of satire, a fundamental facet to the historical Maltese Carnival. Carnival is a sensational celebration hosting exhuberant parades of spectacular floats, magnificent costumes, and grotesque masks – a true testament to the incredible talent of Carnival aficionados.