Carnaval was always celebrated from Saturday what we used to call in Portuguese Sabado Gordo or Fat Saturday. Actually proper Carnaval is from Sunday till Tuesday for three days. People modified this word as Carnival that was a translation into English. I remember from my childhood that the Carnaval originated in Brazil with great enthusiasm and pomp. The same Carnaval started in Goa by Timoteo Fernandes and the Chief Officer of Municipality of Panjim Vasco Alvares was selected as First King Momo and the decree of King Momo was read by him and celebration started in full animation and glory. Next year in 1965 Timoteo became next King Momo which he modified to suit the locals where many young youth boys and girls participated in the float parade starting from Rio Bar close to Corina near old PWD office. The feasting and enjoyment then started. The floats were decent and not commercialised.
Ironically however the request of the people of Fontainhas and St Tome wherein families indulge in rivalry, dances and participation in their home celebration was well accepted by all residents in Panaji.
