Gozo is known for its Carnival and Feasts, known as 'Festi' are important traditions on the island and are held in honor of the patron saint of each village throughout the summer months. The celebrations include religious ceremonies,fireworks and live band music and some feature horse racing, concerts and in the seaside village of Xlendi, a highlight is a greasy pole competition over the water.
The capital of Gozo, Victoria, also known as Rabat, has two Festi - for Saint George in July and for Saint Mary, celebrated on August 15th - a National Holiday for the Maltese islands. During the weekend of the various festi in the villages, many Maltese and foreigners join with local people to experience Gozo’s unique carnival atmosphere. In the past, the local Festa afforded a time for young Gozitan men and women to meet, and many of those meetings resulted in formal courtship and subsequent marriage. In the village of Nadur many locals dress up in colorful and also outrageous costumes with the intention of not being recognized.
Nadur 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.
Victoria’s carnival
Victoria’s carnival
features street parades with grotesque masks, dance companies, floats, bands, hilarious sketches and the traditional Komittiva.
