Carnival

One of the many colorful floats parading through the streets

I share today a few photos of Carnival floats from my home in Malta. Certainly the Carnival defile is not as elaborate as the one in Brazil, but it is a colorful annual event that takes place on the weekend before Ash Wednesday. The idea is to feast and celebrate before the fast and penance starts during Lent. Lots of dancing in costumes takes place in public squares, bot in the main capital city of Valletta as well as other local towns and villages, which are becoming more popular. 

The word Carnival actually means carne vale (meat is allowed, or meat is valid.) This way people can eat meat now but abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and the Friday of Lent. Hopefully more people will avail themselves of the opportunities during Lent to turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel, go to confession and do acts of charity towards others.