Traditionally, Carnival festivities take place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, offering one last explosion of colour, music and merriment before the reflective season of Lent begins. In 2026, Ash Wednesday falls on 18 February, placing Carnival celebrations firmly in early to mid-February.
During Carnival, social conventions are gleefully suspended — everyone is free to wear masks, dress up in extravagant costumes, and embrace humour, satire and a little outrageous fun. It’s a celebration rooted in centuries-old tradition, yet constantly reinvented through creativity and community spirit.
When is Carnival celebrated in 2026?
In Gozo, Carnival will be celebrated between 7 and 17 February 2026, with events spread across the island and major festivities centred in Victoria (Rabat).
Across many Catholic countries, Carnival is marked by decorated homes, elaborate floats and lively street performances. Malta and Gozo are no exception, with vibrant street installations, exhibitions, parades and dance performances honouring this historic tradition.
Nadur Carnival – Gozo’s Most Iconic Celebration
In Gozo, the most famous and arguably the most unconventional Carnival is held in Nadur. This unique celebration attracts thousands of visitors from Malta and abroad every year and has earned a reputation for its bold humour and raw creativity.
Nadur Carnival consists of two distinct experiences:
- The Organised Nadur Carnival – featuring colourful floats, music and performances in St Peter & St Paul’s Square.
- The Spontaneous (People’s) Carnival – where locals take over the village streets after sunset, wearing grotesque, satirical and often politically inspired costumes.
While it has evolved over the years into a larger street party, the Nadur Spontaneous Carnival remains one of the most peculiar and authentic expressions of Gozitan Carnival culture, offering a striking contrast to the more polished parades elsewhere on the island.
Key Carnival Events in Gozo – 2026
🎭 Victoria (Gozo Regional Carnival)
- Opening Carnival Parade
Saturday, 7 February at 19:30 – Republic Street to Independence Square - Carnival Parades & Défilés
- Friday, 13 February from 17:00 onwards
- Saturday, 14 February from 10:00–14:00 and 17:00 onwards
- Sunday, 15 February from 14:00 onwards
- Monday, 16 February from 17:00 onwards
- Grand Finale
Tuesday, 17 February from 17:00–23:00
📍 Republic Street & Independence Square, Victoria
🎉 Nadur Carnival
- Organised Nadur Carnival
Sunday, 8 February from 12:30pm
📍 St Peter & St Paul’s Square, Nadur - Spontaneous Nadur Carnival
13 – 17 February, daily after sunset
📍 Nadur village streets
💃 Village Carnivals (Selected Highlights)
- Xagħra Carnival – Friday, 14 February at 19:00, Nazzarenu Square
- Xewkija Carnival – Saturday, 15 February at 09:30, St John the Baptist Square
- Għajnsielem Carnival – Friday, 14 February at 14:00, Our Lady of Loreto Square
- Plus celebrations in Għarb, Sannat, Fontana, Żebbuġ, Munxar and San Lawrenz throughout the week
Getting There with Ease 🚐
Planning to attend Carnival events in Gozo? Skip the hassle of parking and late-night driving.
📞 Pre-book minivan or taxi transportation to any Carnival event in Gozo:
Tel: 2155 6678
Email: info@mayjocarhire.com
Whether you’re heading to the vibrant parades in Victoria or the unforgettable spontaneous madness of Nadur, we’ll get you there comfortably and safely.