(A)

Carnival in Malta, or Il-Karnival ta' Malta as it is referred to locally, is one of the most exciting celebrations on the island's calendar of events and one of the well-known festivals worldwide. Several villages have adopted the tradition of organising their own carnivals, some of which are quite interesting. The main carnival competition, which includes the children's carnival, dance routine, and carnival floats (large vehicles decorated and used in festivals) of different sizes, is held in Valletta.

(B)

Carnival in Malta is celebrated annually for around a week right before the start of Lent (the 40 days before Easter, during which some people stop doing particular things they enjoy). Carnival has always been connected with religion, although nowadays, the only religious thing that has survived is that it is held according to the Roman Catholic Church calendar. Otherwise, the noise, the colours, and the entertainment connected with modern carnivals have nothing to do with religion.

(C)

Like famous carnivals around the world, such as the Rio Carnival in Brazil, the Day of the Dead in Mexico, and the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the United States, the Carnival in Malta has its own character. Carnival is not only a celebration of colour but also of satire and the grotesque. This unique mix of elements creates an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike. This is the spirit of the event that gives it its 'Maltese Carnivalesque' feel.

(D)

In Valletta, there are several different activities to take part in. For example, there is a parade of mechanised floats that move through the historic streets. These floats are based on a variety of themes, including TV commercials, famous films, celebrities, and other contemporary themes. The main attraction of the carnival is the 'King of the Carnival' float, which is the last and largest float in the parade. Additionally, many street performances and live music events add to the festive atmosphere.

(E)

In Gozo, a main carnival is also held in Victoria, while in Nadur there is a different carnival, the People's Carnival. Floats, similar to the Carnival ones are used especially at the end of the football season when the victorious team returns to its home town with the trophy and is paraded through the streets in decorated floats. Such celebrations were already being carried out in the sixteenth century when military victories by the Christian powers in Europe were celebrated in Malta as well.

Cornelia ten Boom was born on April 15, 1892, in Haarlem, Netherlands, near Amsterdam. Known as 'Corrie' all her life, she was the youngest child of a jeweller and watchmaker. The ten Boom family lived in rooms above their shop. Faith inspired the family to serve society, offering shelter, food, and money to those in need. In this tradition, the family deeply respected the Jewish community in Amsterdam, considering them 'God's ancient people'.

After her mother's death and a disappointing romance, Corrie trained as a watchmaker and, in 1922, became the first woman in Holland to be licensed as a watchmaker. Over the next decade, in addition to working in her father's shop, she established a youth club for teenage girls, offering religious instruction as well as classes in the performing arts and sewing.

During the war, the house of the family became a refuge for Jews and students. The watchmaker's shop made the house an ideal place for these activities. A secret room, no larger than a small wardrobe, was built into Corrie's bedroom behind a false wall. The space could accommodate six people, all of whom had to stand quietly and still. A ventilation system was installed to provide them with air. When the guard came through the neighbourhood, a buzzer in the house signalled danger, giving the refugees just over a minute to hide in the secret room. Corrie became the leader of the 'Beje' network of safe houses in the country. It is estimated that these activities saved the lives of 800 Jews.

On February 28, 1944, a Dutch informant told the Nazis about the ten Booms' activities, and the Gestapo soon entered the house. The entire ten Boom family was arrested. Although German soldiers searched the house thoroughly, they couldn't find the Jews. The six remained in the secret room for almost three days before they were rescued.