THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
The stage is all set for the grand Carnival float parade scheduled in the Commercial capital on Sunday.
While the city will play host for the King Momo and the colourful float parade on Sunday on the traditional route, the Holy Spirit Church square-Margao Municipal square, the traditional khell tiatr will be staged across the 25 Municipal wards across the commercial capital.
Attired in carnival costumes, Margao City Fathers led by Chairperson Damu Shirodkar and Chairman of the Margao Carnival Committee Camilo Barretto on Friday signalled that the city is all geared up for the carnival festivities, beginning from Sunday.
Addressing the media, the Margao Civic Chief said that all arrangements are being put in place for the float parade in the city on Sunday. “We have to remember that Carnival festival is being celebrated only in three places, Brazil, Portugal and Goa. Hence, the city is making all preparations for the conduct of the float parade on Sunday”, he said.
Damu said police and traffic arrangements will be taken care of by around 300 policemen. Besides, he said two fire tenders and as many ambulances will be stationed on the parade route as a precautionary measure.
Inviting the people of Margao, Salcete and others to come and watch the Carnival float parade on Sunday, the Civic Chief has exuded confidence that the city will witness record participation of floats in the parade. “Participants have been soliciting inquiries with us over the last few days. Naval officials have confirmed their participation in the parade. Besides, group of children have sought permission to spread awareness on how to look after their parents in their old age”, he added.
Margao Carnival Committee Chairman Camilo Barretto said every effort is being made to take the traditional carnival forward. “The parade is a platform for the participants to showcase our rich culture, heritage and traditions. Besides, to keep the carnival alive, traditional khell tiatr will be staged in all the 25 Municipal wards”, he said.
Camilo said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will flag off the Carnival float parade in the city on March 2 in the presence of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Environment Minister Alexio Sequeira, MLAs Digambar Kamat, Vijay Sardesai, Reginald Lourenco, Ulhas Tuenkar, State BJP Chief Damu Naik and others as he thanked the Tourism department for funding the carnival festivities in the city.
