Threaten boycott, demand transparent judging
Traditional carnival float parade participant Raul Pereira speaks about this year’s carnival float parade.
MARGAO
A group of traditional Goan participants in this year’s Carnival float parade has alleged that the results of the competition organised by the Department of Tourism were “fabricated” and “manipulated”. They have warned of a boycott if their concerns are not addressed.
Several participants, many involved in the parade for years, have decided to form an association of traditional float makers. Adrian Chiquitto has been named president of the proposed body, which plans to boycott future government-sponsored float parades as a protest.
The group also expressed dissatisfaction over the conduct of the parade in Panaji. According to them, participants were asked to report at 11.30 am, but the parade began only at 5.30 pm. “The delay caused major inconvenience. The parade continued late into the night with poor lighting, and many spectators had already gone home,” one participant said.
Raul Pereira, a traditional float participant from Quepem, said this was perhaps the first time in over two decades that his float had failed to win a prize in the government-organised competition.
“A lot of time, energy and money go into preparing a float. We do not seek financial help from the government. I spend from my own pocket out of love for our culture and traditions. The prize money helps cover some costs,” Pereira said.
He alleged that the results were manipulated and politically influenced. Pereira also noted that while his float did not win at the government-sponsored parade, it secured prizes at privately organised float parades in Curtorim and Curchorem.
The participants have urged the government to ensure greater transparency and fairness in judging, warning of collective action if their grievances remain unresolved.
