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Celebrated since the 18th century, Carnival is one of Goa’s most well-known and popular festivals. The origins of carnival are apparently the hedonistic feasts of ancient Rome and Greece. It made its appearance in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, and absorbed Latin American influences along the way, metamorphosing into a beautiful festival of song, dance, and merry-making.
Carnival is meant to be a feast of hedonism with drinks, food and party before we head into 40 days of Lent; a time of abstinence and spirituality.
The exciting extravaganza of fun, frolic, song, music and dance that is uniquely Goan was originally a Pagan festival popular in Latin American countries that were colonies of Portugal at some point in time.
Goa is home to spectacular Carnival parades set to begin on March 2, with the opening parade being held in the capital city of Panji, and will later move on to Margao on March 3, Vasco and Ponda on March 4, and Mapusa,Morjim and Curchorem on March 5.
We see a lot of tourists both domestic and International visiting the state to experience this festival exclusively.
Goa Tourism has been promoting this festival on a huge scale every year and there is an overwhelming response from both domestic and international visitors to the state.
The unique feature of Goa Carnival is that Goa is the only state in India to celebrate this festival. Secondly, Along with song and dance, the Goa Carnival parade has floats that depict key social and environmental themes of the day.
The hallmark of the exotic frenzy of merriment is the appointment and arrival of King Momo and his retinue to the capital city of Panaji on “Fat Saturday”, the eve of Carnival.
The King and his crew form the head of a parade of colorful floats and troupes of masked revelers attired in gorgeous costumes singing and dancing to lively music that is usually performed live.
The best floats in the parade are awarded fabulous prizes.
