Updated February 2020
If you’re looking to banish the winter blues, and maybe inject some fun and frivolity into February, why not consider a holiday in Gozo?
For most of Europe, February is a cold month when the winter weather seems to bite hardest. By contrast, our little island of Gozo boasts a mild average February temperature of 13°C.
Towards the end of the month you can expect temperatures to start climbing as spring approaches, and you can also experience Gozo’s colourful Carnival season, including the unique and world-famous ‘Spontaneous’ Carnival in the village of Nadur.
Traditionally held over the five days preceding the Christian Lent period, Carnival Week in Gozo is a time to indulge in fun, food and festivities. In 2020, the main Carnival events begin on Friday 21 February and last through to Shrove Tuesta, 25 February.
Carnival Week in Gozo may not be as famous as the Rio Carnival in Brazil, but we can offer plenty of Mediterranean fun for all the family.
Nadur ‘Spontaneous’ Carnival
Every year, the small village of Nadur marks the pre-Lent period with a truly unique event – the ‘spontaneous’ Carnival – so-called because it isn’t organised by any committee and the people taking part often remain silent to enhance their disguise!
This year, the Nadur Carnival will be held after sunset from Friday 21 to Tuesday 25 February 2020. If you want to catch the action, just head for December 13th Street and the main village square. But be warned! The village streets will be packed with weird and wonderful sights.
Grotesque masks at the Nadur Carnival, Gozo. Photo credit: www.timesofmalta.com
Disguise is the name of the game and people dress up in costumes and wear masks to conceal their real identities. The streets of Nadur become thronged with mostly silent people wearing strange-looking, satirical, funny, and grotesque costumes, some openly poking fun at politicians. A lot of people will remain silent to enhance their disguise, but don’t expect the Nadur Carnival it to be quiet – there will still be plenty of music and revelry, well into the night.
Traditional Carnival in Gozo
Of course, Gozo also puts on a number of more traditional – and organised – carnival events throughout the pre-Lent period. These involve colourful floats, fabulous costumes, parades, live music – and food!
Most events begin with a children's carnival with plenty of wonderful costumes and a parade. Competitive dancing competitions are also held.
So, have we piqued your interest for a February break in fabulous Gozo?
A costumed parade, Gozo Carnival. Photo credit: visitgozo.com.
Ask us for help
Baron Holiday Homes is happy to organise car hire, tours of Gozo, and special activities for our guests whatever time of year you visit. Just get in touch and we’ll tell you all you need to know about walks near to your rental property, special events in villages nearby, and other local information.
Posted in Activity, Carnival, Family, Fun, Things to do, Traditions
View all blog posts