MAPUSA
For the first time, a novelty in the form of helicopter and floats in the river will be part of the Carnival Parade that will kick off on February 18 in the capital city of Goa.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte informed that “Goa Carnaval 2023” will be very unique as it will be a blend of sea, air and ground.
“This year, we will witness aerial participation for the very first time as a helicopter will be part of the carnival parade and there will also be floats in the river Mandovi,” Khaunte said.
This year, the Carnival celebrations will start with a curtain raiser on February 17 which will be held in Porvorim.
The flagging off of the float parade will be done on ‘Fat Saturday’ (February 18) at Panaji. The traditional route for the Carnival float procession in the capital city will start at the new Patto Bridge and pass in front of the former secretariat.
The float of ‘King Momo’, a mythological figure, will lead the parade, he said.
The other centres where carnival parades will be held are in Margao, Vasco, Mapusa, Porvorim and Morjim.
The parade will move along the road with floats in categories such as traditional, institutional, family fun junk, clown joker, etc., including floats from local villages, commercial entities, and cultural groups.
The State tourism department has geared up to hold the grand Carnival parade and woo tourists from across the world to the State.
“With the launch of the new helipad, tourism will incline towards the vibrant sightseeing Goa has to offer and attract high-end tourists,” the tourism minister said.
He further said that the department has set up a 24x7 running helpline for tourists in cases of distress and to seek any detail they require.
Khaunte also announced that Shigmo parades in the State will be held from March 8 to 21. The centres for the Shigmo float parade will be in Ponda, Bicholim, Mapusa, Panaji, Porvorim, Pernem, Valpoi, Sanquelim, Curchorem, Vasco, Margao, Sanguem, Quepem and Canacona.
In view of the Carnival festivity, the Department of Environment and Climate Change had recently permitted the use of loudspeakers or public address system during night hours, between 10 pm to 12 midnight, throughout the State of Goa, for the last day of Carnival.
