Malta Carnival 2026: Dates, Events, and Where to Stay in Sliema
Malta Carnival 2026 brings colour, creativity, and centuries old tradition to the heart of winter. For visitors arriving during February, the Carnival offers a lively contrast to the season, with parades, performances, and community celebrations taking over Valletta and surrounding towns. Planning ahead is essential, not only to experience the events themselves, but also to choose a location that balances proximity with comfort.
Staying in Sliema provides that balance. Close enough to the main Carnival routes yet removed from the busiest streets, it allows visitors to enjoy the festivities while returning to a calmer environment at the end of the day. For those seeking a well connected and comfortable base, Novotel Malta Sliema offers a practical choice during one of Malta’s most anticipated cultural events.
When Is Malta Carnival 2026 and What to Expect
Malta Carnival 2026 is scheduled to take place from Friday 13 February to Tuesday 17 February 2026. The five day celebration leads up to Ash Wednesday and marks the final festive period before Lent. Carnival has deep roots in Maltese history, dating back to the time of the Knights of St John, and it remains a significant cultural moment on the island.
Throughout the Carnival period, streets fill with music, elaborate floats, masked performers, and costumed dancers. Events are spread across several days, allowing visitors to experience both daytime family friendly parades and evening performances that bring a different atmosphere after sunset. The scale of the celebrations grows each year, attracting both local participants and international visitors.
Carnival Events in Valletta and Across Malta
Valletta is the main stage for Malta Carnival, with Republic Street and St George’s Square hosting the largest parades and dance competitions. Floats are carefully crafted over months, often reflecting satire, folklore, and contemporary themes. Dance troupes perform choreographed routines, adding rhythm and movement to the processions.
Beyond Valletta, Carnival activity extends across Malta and Gozo. Towns organise smaller parades and community events, while Nadur in Gozo is known for a more informal and spontaneous Carnival atmosphere that contrasts with Valletta’s structured programme. This variety allows visitors to experience different interpretations of the same tradition within a short distance.
Attending Carnival events during the day offers a lively yet approachable experience, especially for families. Evenings tend to draw larger crowds and a more energetic atmosphere, making it worthwhile to plan visits at different times depending on personal preference.
Why Stay in Sliema During Malta Carnival
Choosing where to stay during Malta Carnival can shape the entire experience. Valletta becomes exceptionally busy during the festivities, particularly in the evenings. While staying within the capital places visitors close to the action, it can also mean navigating crowds late into the night.
Sliema offers a practical alternative. Located just across the harbour from Valletta, it provides direct ferry connections and easy road access, allowing visitors to reach Carnival events quickly without staying in the most congested areas. After a day of parades and performances, Sliema’s seafront offers space to unwind, with quieter streets, dining options, and coastal walks.
This positioning is supported by Novotel Malta Sliema’s central seafront location, which allows guests to move easily between Carnival venues and a more relaxed environment, supporting both convenience and comfort during a busy period on the island.
Comfort and Convenience at Novotel Malta Sliema
During an event driven stay, comfort becomes just as important as proximity. Novotel Malta Sliema is designed to support guests who balance active days with the need to rest and recharge.
The hotel offers modern rooms designed for comfort that suit different travel styles, from couples attending Carnival performances to families visiting daytime parades. Rooms provide a calm setting away from the noise of the city centre, supporting uninterrupted rest between events.
On site facilities add to the convenience of staying in one place during a busy week. Dining options allow guests to plan meals flexibly, whether starting the day early before heading to Valletta or returning later in the evening. Wellness and relaxation areas offer an opportunity to slow the pace after long hours spent exploring Carnival events.
Guests planning a winter visit may also benefit from seasonal winter offers, which can add value to a Carnival stay without compromising flexibility.
Planning Your Carnival Stay in Malta
Planning ahead is essential when visiting Malta during Carnival. Accommodation demand increases as February approaches, particularly for hotels with easy access to Valletta. Booking early allows greater choice and flexibility, especially for travellers with specific room requirements.
When attending events, it is useful to alternate between central celebrations and quieter activities. Many visitors choose to attend major parades on one day, then explore smaller local events or coastal walks on another. February weather in Malta is mild, making it suitable for outdoor activities, though evenings can be cooler.
Transport planning also plays a role. Ferries between Sliema and Valletta offer a scenic and efficient way to move between locations during Carnival week, reducing the need to rely on road transport during peak times. For more inspiration, travellers can explore winter events and travel tips in Malta to build a balanced seasonal itinerary.
A Balanced Carnival Experience in Sliema
Malta Carnival 2026 offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the island’s most vibrant traditions during a quieter travel season. By staying in Sliema, visitors can enjoy direct access to Valletta’s celebrations while returning to a calmer setting at the end of each day.
Novotel Malta Sliema provides a base that supports this balance, combining location, comfort, and practical amenities suited to Carnival travel. Whether attending parades, exploring cultural events, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of winter in Malta, thoughtful planning and the right location can make the experience both memorable and relaxed.
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