Viva, Viva l-Karnival: The George Zahra Donation

Għalkemm kien iċċelebrat ukoll fiż-żmien Medjevali, il-Karnival ħa spinta kbira ’l quddiem bħala spettaklu kkulurit fi żmien l-Ordni ta’ San Ġwann. Għal sekli bbenefika mill-appoġġ tal-Gran Mastri,u ra l-parteċipazzjoni ta’ nies minn kull qasam tas-soċjetà. Minkejja li naqqas xi ftit mill-importanza tiegħu fi żmien l-Ingliżi, il-Karnival għadu llum marbut mal-kalendarju liturġiku tal-Knisja. Dan għaliex il-Karnival hu essenzjament ħamestijiem ta’ ċelebrazzjonijiet qabel is-sagrifiċċji tar-Randan, bi tħejjija għall-Għid il-Kbir.

Illum il-Karnival hu r-riżultat ta’ sforz kollettiv ta’ nies dedikati bħal George Zahra, li ħa sehem fl-aħħar 71 edizzjoni tal-Karnival, 52 minnhom fuq livell nazzjonali fi ħdan il-kumitat organizzattiv.

Din il-wirja tiċċelebra l-ħidma tiegħu bħala parteċipant, id-dedikazzjoni tiegħu bħala organizzatur u l-ġenerożita’ tiegħu permezz ta’ donazzjoni sabiħa lil Heritage Malta. Parti minn din id-donazzjoni tinsab hawn għal wiri.

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Although it was celebrated in Medieval times, Carnival increased its popularity as a colourful spectacle during the rule of the Order of St John. For decades it was encouraged by Grand Masters, and has seen the active participation of people from all walks of life. Despite its difficulties during the British period, Carnival reached us in an unbroken religious tradition consisting of a five-day celebration preceding the sacrifices of Lent in preparation for Easter.

Today Carnival is the collective result of a year’s hard work by people such as George Zahra, who has participated in last 71 editions of Carnival, 52 of which as a member of the national organising committee.

This exhibition serves as a testament to his work as a participant, complete dedication as an organiser, and his extensive donation to Heritage Malta, partly on display in this exhibition.