'Phoenicians' carnival float
Malta picture - Malta's pre-Lenten Carnival is one of Europe's most colourful, with dozens of floats, clowns and dancers. The parade is through the main street of Valletta, and music is provided by a band that every so often breaks into a chorus of -- are you ready for this? -- "Rule Britannia". That testifies to the close bonds between England and Malta going back to the days of Lord Nelson.