For the first time, Goans in London will get to witness a Goan Carnival on a high street in London on February 18.
Amigos Nite, an entertainment organisation headed by Simon Rodrigues, will stage ‘Viva Carnival 2023' with a Carnival parade led by King Momo and his Queen at Hounslow High Street.
Traditionally, Goan carnival events have been celebrated at private venues or community grounds and carnivals on streets in London have only been celebrated by Brazil and Portugal. This is the first time that a Goan carnival is being celebrated on a high street in London.
The Float Parade will begin from McDonald's, High Street and will culminate at Goa Mandovi, Market Place Basement.
After the Carnival event, there will be fancy dress, a Khel Tiatr, which is the traditional Goan way to celebrate Carnival. The writer & director is Menino Mario and the second play is written by Bobet De Quepem and directed by Jr Nelson. In addition, there will be performances by Risma Leitao, daughter of the legendary ChrisMeena (Christopher & Meena), a one-man band Polly de Curtorim and a band ‘Coastline’.
“Why go to Goa for Carnival? Enjoy Carnival Float Parade this year in London like never before and this is one event Goans in London will not want to miss,” said Simon Rodrigues, the main organiser at the Carnival parade.
“This event has been organised on a street for the first time in London to showcase our Goan culture to the people in the UK. The event is powered by the restaurant ‘Maka Tik Naka’, ‘Goa Mandovi’ and ‘Red Hot Chilly Pepper & London Bar Stock Exchange’. The event is supported by Utt Goenkara UK Voluntary Association.”
“The theme of the Goa Carnival is ‘Promoting Goan Culture’. There will be four floats all walking and no vehicles. Only King Momo and his Queen will be in an open car.”
When contacted, King Momo Arcanjo Francisco Rosario Afonso and his Queen Yvonne Fernandes Afonso, a couple who hail from Aldona, said it was wonderful to take part and they have been privileged to be the King and Queen.
“We feel awesome and are very excited to be given this opportunity. We are grateful to God and we are sure it's going to be successful. Thanks a million to Simon and his team. Cheers to all. Viva Goa Viva Carnival,” said Arcanjo.
Given that the Goa Carnival will be staged on the High Street, Simon Rodrigues had to make considerable arrangements.
We have taken the permission of the London Borough of Hounslow (the council). We will also have the permission of the local police station and we will also be having their assistance for the parade. For added security, we will be having our own security too,” said Rodrigues.
Asked if he planned to stage the Goa Carnival every year, Rodrigues replied in the affirmative: “Yes, our aim is to have it every year.”
