Thousands of revellers from across Mormugao thronged the streets of Swatantra Path, Vasco to witness the colourful carnival parade in Vasco on Monday evening.
The parade was flagged off near St Andrew’s Church square by the chief guests Flag Officer Goa Naval Area (FOGA) Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil and Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) Chairman Dr E Ramesh Kumar along with Vasco Carnival Committee (VCC) chairperson Cosme Mendes in the presence of other committee members.
The streets along Swatantra Path were brightly decorated as floats with live bands paraded down the street led by King Momo Shalom Sardinha and his Queen Jocelyn Godinho.
A total of 55 floats in different categories, including clubs and institution (13), traditional (8), clown and jokers (21), fun and junk car (5), family and sponsors (8) took part in the parade depicting various themes and messages, while also highlighting the Goan culture and tradition.
The Navy also took part in the Vasco Carnival parade.
After the float parade, there was a performance by Frontline and Black Slades.
Later speaking to the media, VCC chairperson Cosme Mendes said the Vasco Carnival was a huge success, “It was a great feeling. We have done our best to ensure that a lot of people enjoyed the events organised by the VCC. We will be having a Goan folk troupes, performances by Lorna, Scully D’Souza and Veloshka Da Costa along with mimicry by Paresh Parab of Prudent on Tuesday to conclude our Carnival festivities.”
Said FOGA Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil, “It is a great boost to tourism as many people from all over come to witness the event. It is a great initiative and this must continue. We have also organised a float to highlight the relief operations undertaken by the Navy and Naval rescues throughout the year.”
MPT chairman Dr E Ramesh Kumar said it was privilege to be flagging off the Vasco Carnival Parade. “It is a great to notice that Goa is continuing to preserve its rich heritage and culture through Carnival. I wish this Carnival a great success and also wish the health, happiness and prosperity of all Goans,” said Dr Kumar.
