The Għaqda Kumittiva Għawdex aim is to keep alive the traditional carnival dance. The word “Kumittiva” actually refers to a collective of musicians commissioned by the local wine bar to play the accompaniment for the dancers. Like the steps of the dance, the musical score is passed on from one generation to the next. It is learnt by ear, and performed on folkloristic instruments. The music of a kumittiva session is provided by a band of musicians playing accordion, tambourines, castanets and friction drum. This dance is a tradition that has been orally passed down generations and is believed to been introduces to the Maltese folklore by Maltese or Gozitian sailors who travelled to neighbouring countries such as Sicily or France. The group is rekindling the carnival spirit in the younger generations. The Kumittiva is now at least 130 years old.