PANAJI: Goa’s most vibrant season begins today as Carnival 2026 officially kicks off, with celebrations running till February 17. The Tourism Department has laid out a full schedule, with a focus on Goan culture through lively float parades and street performances.
The festivities start today with a curtain-raiser in Porvorim, where the parade moves from IHM to ACDIL School. Panaji will host the ceremonial flag-off tomorrow, February 14, with the main parade stretching from New Patto Bridge to Campal Ground.
Margao takes the spotlight on February 15, with celebrations along the route from Holy Spirit Church to the Margao Municipal Council Square. Vasco da Gama follows on February 16, with the parade proceeding from St. Andrew’s Junction (Swatantra Path) to Joshi Chowk near the Railway Station. The Carnival will conclude on February 17 in Mapusa and Morjim. In Mapusa, the parade will run from the Comunidade building behind Milagres Church to the Comunidade ground near Dev Bodgeshwar Temple, while in Morjim, it will proceed from Morjim Khind to Morjim Junction near Raj Super Market.
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation has set aside around Rs 1.5 crore for Carnival 2026, including Rs 48 lakh in prize money to promote creative participation, and Rs 1.04 crore for infrastructure and logistics, ensuring the events are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all attendees.
