IT'S CARNIVAL TIME!

It's Carnival time here in Malta and excitement is growing by the day! I have to be honest and admit that I'm not a great enthusiast, but the children here love it - so do many grown ups.Thankfully the sun is shining this morning and I think it will be a cold bright day.-A little chilly for - small princesses, fairies and flimsy dresses-( always lots of these!!)- They never seem aware of the weather though, they are in some happy place.
       Carnival was introduced to Malta in 1535 by Grand Master Piero de Ponti. and is held during the five days leading to Ash Wednesday.Celebrations abound on the Island and the sister Island of Gozo.There are masked balls, fancy dress,marching bands and ofcourse the floats. These have developed into an industry with dockyard workers often providing the framework, with villages working for months on their own unique creation. Baroque and ornate in style they certainly provide colour!
There is always a social element involved, but this year the political scene seems to be increasingly encroaching.-What a pity!
         I hope everyone can simply enjoy it with lightness, laughter and fun!!
                                                             Mo.