TTOTY (that time of the year)

Yes, all over the world the pre-Lent carnivals are being held. Valletta's is not as famous as those in Rio or Venice but quite wonderful. Although Valletta has more steps than the Stairway to Heaven, there are enough avenues level and wide enough to accommodate the parades.

As always, I find that a carnival is best seen before the main event gets going, so I start at the district of Floriana, where a space the size of a couple of football pitches witnesses the revellers getting prepared. The procession, when it starts, is accompanied by thundering dance music (Freed from Desire by Gala is a favourite, and it becomes a guilty pleasure for me). It's also possible to get good views from my hotel balcony.

Five days of this good clean fun and the curtain comes down for Ash Wednesday. Until next year.........Read more