Two carnivals, one island — from Victoria’s traditional parades to Nadur’s spontaneous celebrations after dark.
Malta and Gozo Carnival 2027 takes place from Friday 5 February to Tuesday 9 February 2027. In Gozo, the celebrations centre on two places — Victoria (Rabat) and Nadur — and they could hardly be more different.
Victoria is the traditional side of Gozo Carnival: organised parades, elaborate floats, costumes and performances that take over the island’s capital. Nadur changes after dark. Its famous spontaneous Carnival is less structured, more anonymous and often wonderfully strange.
Together, they make Carnival in Gozo quite different from the larger celebrations in Valletta. And because everything happens within a few days on a small island, you don’t really have to choose between the two.
This guide covers the Gozo Carnival 2027 dates, what to expect in Victoria and Nadur, how Gozo compares with Malta Carnival, and the practical details worth knowing before you go.
Malta & Gozo Carnival 2027 Dates
Carnival 2027 runs from Friday 5 February to Tuesday 9 February in both Malta and Gozo. The dates are confirmed, although the detailed programmes for individual parades and village events are still being finalised.
In Malta, the largest organised Carnival celebrations traditionally take place in Valletta. Over in Gozo, Victoria (Rabat) is the centre of the official Carnival, while Nadur is known for its spontaneous celebrations after dark.
| Date | What’s happening | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 5 Feb | Start of the official Carnival period | Malta & Gozo |
| 5–9 Feb | Carnival celebrations | Victoria & across Gozo |
| 5–9 Feb | Carnival period; detailed programme pending | Nadur |
| Tue 9 Feb | Final day of Carnival | Malta & Gozo |
A note on the 2027 programme: the Carnival dates themselves are confirmed. Exact parade times and the full schedules for Victoria, Nadur and Gozo’s smaller village celebrations have not yet all been published. We’ll update this guide as they are announced.
The Two Carnivals of Gozo
Gozo doesn’t really have one Carnival experience.
It has two.
Only a few kilometres separate Victoria and Nadur, but during Carnival they feel like completely different worlds. Victoria celebrates in the traditional Maltese way, with organised parades, constructed floats and choreographed performances. Nadur is much harder to define.
For visitors, experiencing both is the best way to understand why Carnival week in Gozo is so unusual.
Victoria (Rabat) — The Official Gozo Carnival
Victoria centre · Organised · Parades, floats & performances · Family-friendly
Victoria hosts the traditional heart of Gozo Carnival.
The celebrations take over the centre of the island’s capital, particularly around Republic Street and Independence Square. Expect large Carnival floats, colourful costumes, dance performances and groups that have spent months preparing for a few days in February.
The floats are one of the highlights. Some are playful, others satirical, and their size can look slightly improbable once you see them navigating Victoria’s relatively narrow streets.
This is also the easiest side of Carnival to experience if you’re visiting with children. Events are organised, the atmosphere is lively without being quite as unpredictable as Nadur, and you can combine Carnival with time elsewhere in Victoria.
If you only have one evening available for the official Gozo Carnival, the later celebrations towards the end of the Carnival period are usually the ones to watch.
The full Victoria Carnival 2027 programme and parade times are still to be announced.
Nadur — The Spontaneous Carnival
Nadur village streets · After dark · Unscripted · Unpredictable
Then there is Nadur.
During the day, it is a Gozo village like any other. After sunset during Carnival, the atmosphere changes completely.
The Nadur spontaneous Carnival has no conventional parade route or script. Masked and hooded figures appear in the streets, often in deliberately strange costumes. Some are funny, some political, some satirical and some simply impossible to explain.
Anonymity is part of the tradition.
People disguise not only their faces but often their shape, walk and voice. Costumes can comment on local events, politics or whatever has occupied people’s attention during the previous year. Others make absolutely no attempt to make sense.
That’s part of the appeal.
Rather than standing at the side of a parade and watching Carnival pass by, in Nadur you are effectively inside it.
You don’t need a costume to attend. But if there is one place in Gozo where dressing up genuinely changes the experience, it is here.
Nadur also has an organised Carnival component, and preparations for the 2027 edition are already underway. The detailed 2027 programme and individual event times have not yet been published.
Malta Carnival vs Gozo Carnival: Which Should You Choose?
Malta and Gozo celebrate Carnival at the same time, but the experience is not identical.
The largest Malta Carnival celebrations are traditionally centred in Valletta, where elaborate floats, dance companies and organised parades create a much larger spectacle.
Gozo is smaller and feels more local.
| Malta Carnival | Gozo Carnival | |
| 2027 dates | 5–9 February | 5–9 February |
| Main locations | Valletta | Victoria & Nadur |
| Style | Large organised Carnival | Traditional + spontaneous |
| Known for | Major parades and floats | Victoria floats & Nadur after dark |
| Atmosphere | Larger and structured | Smaller, local and unconventional |
| Families | Good choice | Victoria particularly suitable |
| Something different | Traditional Maltese spectacle | Nadur spontaneous Carnival |
If you want the biggest organised Carnival spectacle, Valletta is the obvious choice.
If you want something more intimate — and considerably stranger after dark — Gozo has the edge.
If your trip allows it, there is no reason you can’t experience both.
Village Carnival Across Gozo
Victoria and Nadur receive most of the attention, but Carnival doesn’t stop there.
Smaller celebrations traditionally appear in villages across Gozo, with local bands, children’s activities, costumes and community events. They are rarely as spectacular as Victoria or as unusual as Nadur, but that is precisely their appeal.
Depending on the final 2027 programme, villages to look out for include:
- Xagħra — local celebrations around the village square
- Xewkija — traditionally a good option for daytime and family events
- Għajnsielem — conveniently close to both Nadur and Mġarr Harbour
- Għarb, Sannat, Fontana, Żebbuġ, Munxar and San Lawrenz — smaller local events may take place during the Carnival period
The complete village programme for Carnival 2027 has not yet been released, so don’t build an itinerary around a specific village event until its date is confirmed.
A Little History: Why Does Gozo Celebrate Carnival?
Carnival in Malta has centuries of history.
Its roots are generally traced back to the period of the Knights of St John, when Carnival became part of the islands’ pre-Lenten celebrations. Over the centuries, costumes, masks, competitions and public festivities developed into the Carnival traditions seen today.
Gozo shares that heritage, but the island has developed its own character.
Victoria preserves much of the organised Carnival tradition. Nadur evolved in a different direction, becoming known for anonymity, satire and spontaneous participation rather than carefully choreographed spectacle.
That is why talking about “Gozo Carnival” as though it were one event never quite captures it.
What Is Nadur’s Spontaneous Carnival Really Like?
This is probably the hardest part of Gozo Carnival to describe to someone who has never seen it.
There isn’t necessarily a moment when it “starts”.
As daylight disappears, more disguised figures arrive. Small groups wander through the streets. People stop, watch, interact and move on. Costumes appear and disappear into the crowd.
Some have clearly taken weeks to create. Others look as though someone found three unrelated objects at home ten minutes before leaving and decided that would do.
Both approaches work.
The lack of explanation is important. Nadur Carnival isn’t designed primarily as a performance for visitors, and trying to understand every costume rather misses the point.
Walk around, watch what happens and accept that some of it will make absolutely no sense.
Is Nadur Carnival Worth Visiting?
If you are already in Gozo during Carnival, yes.
Nadur is one of those events where photographs don’t entirely explain the atmosphere. The interesting part isn’t simply the costumes; it’s being surrounded by people who are participating rather than performing from a stage.
That said, it isn’t for everyone.
It gets crowded. It can feel chaotic. Some costumes are deliberately unsettling, and after dark it is considerably less polished than the organised Carnival in Victoria.
If that sounds appealing, go.
If you’d rather watch floats and performances from a comfortable distance, spend more time in Victoria.
Is Nadur Carnival Suitable for Children?
There are Carnival events in and around Nadur that families can enjoy, particularly during the day.
The spontaneous Carnival after dark is different.
Crowds become denser, costumes can be strange or deliberately unsettling, and there isn’t the same controlled structure you find at an organised parade.
Families with younger children will probably find the daytime events or Victoria Carnival easier.
Older children and teenagers may enjoy Nadur, but parents should know that the evening atmosphere is much more unpredictable.
What to Wear to Gozo Carnival
For Victoria, normal comfortable clothes are perfectly fine unless you want to dress up.
February evenings in Gozo can be cool, so don’t plan your outfit as though you were visiting in July. Layers and comfortable shoes are considerably more useful than beachwear.
Nadur is different.
You still don’t need a costume, but this is one occasion where joining in can be more fun than simply watching.
It doesn’t need to be elaborate. Masks, oversized clothing, old costumes and deliberately odd combinations all fit the atmosphere remarkably well.
The main objective is not necessarily to look impressive.
Sometimes it’s to make sure nobody has the slightest idea who you are.
Getting to Gozo Carnival from Malta
If you’re staying on Malta, you’ll first need to cross to Gozo.
The traditional route is the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr Harbour, from where Victoria and Nadur are easily reached by bus, taxi or car.
Nadur is particularly close to Mġarr, while Victoria sits further inland in the centre of Gozo.
There is also a fast ferry connection between Valletta and Gozo, which can be useful depending on where you’re staying in Malta.
If you’re planning a Carnival trip, see our complete Gozo Ferry Guide before travelling.
Getting to Nadur During Carnival
On an ordinary day, Nadur is only a short journey from Mġarr Harbour.
Carnival is not an ordinary day.
Road closures, traffic restrictions and large numbers of visitors can change how easily you get into and out of the village, particularly after dark.
If you’re using a taxi, don’t assume you’ll be able to book one instantly when you decide to leave. Demand can be high.
Public transport is another option, but allow considerably more time than you normally would.
If Nadur is the main reason for your trip, staying within walking distance — or at least nearby — can remove a lot of the logistical headache.
Where to Stay During Gozo Carnival 2027
Carnival is one of those occasions when where you stay in Gozo actually matters.
Victoria
For the easiest all-round option, choose Victoria (Rabat).
You’ll be close to the official Carnival celebrations and in the best-connected part of the island for buses and taxis. It also makes sense if you want to explore Gozo rather than spending the entire trip at Carnival events.
Nadur & Għajnsielem
If the spontaneous Carnival is the main attraction, look at accommodation in Nadur or nearby Għajnsielem.
Being able to avoid a long late-night journey after Nadur can be a considerable advantage.
Xlendi & Marsalforn
Xlendi and Marsalforn offer a completely different atmosphere.
They’re good choices if you’d rather return somewhere quieter after Carnival, although you’ll need to plan transport to and from Victoria and Nadur.
For more options, see our full guide to where to stay in Gozo.
Practical Tips for Gozo Carnival 2027
A little planning makes Carnival considerably easier.
- Book accommodation early. Gozo has a limited number of beds compared with Malta, and Carnival weekend can become busy.
- Don’t rely on normal travel times. Traffic restrictions and crowds can slow things down, particularly around Nadur.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll probably spend much more time walking and standing than expected.
- Bring layers. February nights in Gozo can feel cool, especially if you’re outside for several hours.
- Arrive early for organised events. This is particularly useful in Victoria when major parades are scheduled.
- Consider dressing up for Nadur. It isn’t compulsory, but it changes the experience.
- Check the programme again shortly before travelling. Individual event times can change, and the full 2027 schedule is still being finalised.
Why Carnival in Gozo Feels Different
What makes Carnival in Gozo worth travelling for isn’t one particular float or parade.
It’s the contrast.
Victoria spends months building something and then proudly presents it.
Nadur removes most of that structure and waits to see what emerges.
One is colourful, communal and organised. The other is anonymous, satirical and occasionally bizarre.
And only a few kilometres separate them.
You can spend an afternoon watching traditional Carnival in Victoria and, a few hours later, find yourself walking through Nadur surrounded by people whose identities — and sometimes costumes — are impossible to decipher.
That tension between tradition and spontaneity is what makes Carnival in Gozo much more than a smaller version of Malta Carnival.
FAQs — Malta & Gozo Carnival 2027
When is Malta Carnival 2027?
Malta Carnival 2027 runs from Friday 5 February to Tuesday 9 February 2027. Celebrations take place on both Malta and Gozo, with the largest organised events traditionally centred around Valletta, while Gozo has its own Carnival scene in Victoria and Nadur.
When is Gozo Carnival 2027?
Gozo Carnival takes place from 5 to 9 February 2027, following the official Malta Carnival calendar. Victoria (Rabat) is the centre of the traditional parades and floats, while Nadur offers the island’s famous spontaneous Carnival after dark.
Smaller celebrations also take place in villages around Gozo.
When is Nadur Carnival 2027?
Nadur celebrates during the 5–9 February 2027 Carnival period, although the detailed 2027 schedule has not yet been released.
There are actually two sides to Carnival in Nadur: organised events and the much more unusual spontaneous Carnival, when masked and disguised participants take over the village streets after sunset.
Are Malta and Gozo Carnival on the same dates?
Yes. Malta and Gozo share the same official Carnival period, which runs from 5 to 9 February in 2027.
That does not mean every parade happens at the same time. Valletta, Victoria, Nadur and the smaller villages have their own programmes, so it is worth checking the individual schedules once they are published.
What is the difference between Malta Carnival and Gozo Carnival?
The biggest difference is the atmosphere.
Malta Carnival is larger and more structured, with elaborate floats, costumes and organised parades traditionally centred in Valletta. Gozo feels smaller and more local. Victoria has the traditional side of Carnival, while Nadur becomes something altogether different after dark — spontaneous, anonymous and often wonderfully strange.
Is Malta or Gozo better for Carnival?
It depends on what you want to experience.
For large parades and a more traditional Carnival spectacle, Valletta is the obvious choice. Gozo is better if you want a more intimate celebration and the chance to experience both Victoria’s organised events and the spontaneous Carnival in Nadur.
If you have enough time, doing both gives you the best comparison.
Where is the main Carnival in Gozo?
There isn’t really one answer, because Victoria and Nadur offer two very different versions of Carnival.
Victoria (Rabat) is the centre of Gozo’s organised celebrations, with floats, costumes and performances. Nadur is famous for its spontaneous street Carnival, particularly after sunset.
That contrast is a large part of what makes Carnival in Gozo special.
Is Nadur Carnival suitable for families?
During the day, generally yes. Organised Carnival events are much easier to experience with younger children.
After dark, Nadur changes considerably. The streets become crowded, costumes can be deliberately strange or unsettling, and the atmosphere is much less structured. Families with small children may find Victoria or daytime events more comfortable.
Do you need a costume for Nadur Carnival?
No — nobody will stop you turning up in normal clothes.
But dressing up does change the experience. Nadur’s spontaneous Carnival revolves around disguise, anonymity and creativity, and many people deliberately make themselves unrecognisable.
You don’t need an elaborate costume either. Sometimes the simplest disguises are the most effective.
Is Carnival in Malta and Gozo free?
Most outdoor Carnival celebrations are free to attend, including the street atmosphere in Victoria and Nadur.
There may be charges for particular performances, parties or ticketed events, but you do not need a ticket simply to experience Carnival in the streets.
Is Gozo Carnival crowded?
It can be — particularly in Nadur after dark and during the main celebrations in Victoria.
Gozo is a small island, so the increase in visitors is noticeable. Accommodation can fill up and transport becomes busier than usual. If Carnival is the main reason for your trip, booking your stay early is a good idea.
How do you get to Nadur Carnival from Malta?
First take the ferry from Malta to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. Nadur is nearby and normally only a short drive from the harbour.
During Carnival, however, don’t rely too heavily on normal journey times. Traffic restrictions, crowds and demand for taxis can make getting around slower, especially later in the evening.
Where should you stay for Gozo Carnival 2027?
For the easiest all-round base, Victoria is hard to beat. You’re close to the organised Carnival and well positioned for buses and taxis to the rest of Gozo.
If Nadur is your main reason for visiting, staying in or around Nadur or Għajnsielem can make the journey home considerably easier. Xlendi and Marsalforn are good alternatives if you’d rather retreat somewhere quieter afterwards.
When will the full Gozo Carnival 2027 programme be announced?
The official Carnival dates — 5 to 9 February 2027 — are already confirmed, but the complete programme for Victoria, Nadur and the smaller village celebrations is still being finalised.
We’ll update this guide once the individual parade times, events and village schedules are officially announced.
