Exhibition Celebrating Carnival Costumes Inaugurated in Valletta

The Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici, Festivals Malta, in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv opened an exhibition entitled ‘Kuluri u Kostumi’, an exhibition on Carnival costumes. The exhibition will remain open until 22nd February and is open to the public free of charge at the St James Cavallier in Valletta.

This exhibition features around 15 Carnival costumes made by the Carnival companies Nella Carnival Team, The Dancing Angels Birżebbuġa, Shakedancers Hypnotic Dancers Carnival Group, and Għaqda Kultura u Armar Marija Annunzjata Tarxien, which form part of the companies in section B.

Photo by David Mallia

Minister Owen Bonnici said, “This beautiful exhibition will continue to strengthen and promote our cultural heritage. The ‘Kuluri u Kostumi’ exhibition is a testament to the creativity, dedication and tireless work of the Carnival companies who year after year keep alive a tradition so beloved by the Maltese people.”

He continued, “Carnival is not just a celebration, but part of our identity and exhibitions like these in the heart of Valletta give a well-deserved space to the artists and volunteers who make it all possible.”

Photo by David Mallia

The Chairman of Festivals Malta, Mr Aaron Zahra, said that “Carnival requires many hours of work and dedication. An exhibition such as this, provides a wider opportunity for the local public and people visiting the Maltese islands to enjoy this work.”

“’Kuluri u Kostumi’ also marks the first event to form part of the Carnival programme. The Carnival reaches its climax between 13 and 17 February 2026 in Valletta and Floriana, and includes activities on 7 February and 8 February in Santa Venera and Ħamrun,” said Mr Zahra.

Photo by David Mallia

Commenting on the ancillary activities in the Carnival programme, Festivals Malta CEO Frans Agius said, “Carnival is one of the most purely Maltese events we have in Malta. With the artistry of Carnival participants, including the tailors and costume designers, we have a tradition that we can be proud of internationally.”

Photo by David Mallia

“As every year, the level of quality of Carnival work continues to increase. This exhibition showcases a number of costumes from past carnivals by Section B Companies. These costumes require great dedication to be created, and I would like to thank each participant for their contributions,” said the Artistic Director of the Malta Carnival, Jason Busuttil.

For more information about this exhibition, one can visit www.festivals.mt/karnival.

Carnival 2026 is organised by Festivals Malta with the support of the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government and is assisted by Fanta, MCP Car Park, and PAL Malta Communications & Security.