Goa Carnival

Early February or early March marks some high spirited celebrations down west. People in the western Indian coastal state of Goa go crazy over the annual carnival celebrations. The word Carnival has been derived from the Latin word "Carnavale" which means to throw away meat. The festival cherishes the memories of legendary – King Momo, who introduced Goa Carnival, just before the Lent season of the Christian season. It marks the arrival of the period of 40 days of fasting of Lent. It is mainly the festival of Christians and is not celebrated anywhere else in the country. Goa Carnival is the most funkiest fest of India, that hallmarks the presence of color, song and dances.

It is a three day festival that is celebrated since the 18th century. It is the integral part of the Goa cultural heritage. Goa Carnival is one of the most eagerly awaited event of the year. Preparations for the Carnival starts a month before. They rehearse for the short plays consisting of song, music and danced, that are to played during the Carnival. The entire state is decorated with the lights, colorful ribbons and papers. It is basically a Christian festival, but the people from all regions equally participate in the celebrations. Today it has become the major highlight of the Goa Tourism.


Things to see and do :

The Spectacle :

Every year during the celebrations of Carnival fest, the streets of Goa come alive in spectacle with the colorful processions that wend their way through the length and breath of this state to the entertaining riot of singing and dancing. There is an air of vibrant, democratic spontaneity that captures the real spirit of the Carnival. The roads are blocked, while the barricades and police holds back the enthusiastic crowd. The major highlight of the exotic merriment is the arrival of King Momo and his crew to the Capital city of Panaji, on flat Saturday, the eve of carnival.

It's a resplendent site to watch the bejeweled and colorful troupes of masked revelers dressed up in the fascinating costumes, performing on the streets in full majesty and grandeur. Along with the colorful performances, fire works are also presented, to boosts up the spirit of participants. People also smear color on each other. Cultural functions, exciting competitions and merry making are the part of carnival. The participants are judged by the selected people and are awarded special prized by the King Momo.

The parade is a Kaleidoscope of Goa's Portuguese roots as folk dancers depict scenes that are generally related to the history of Goa. Tourists particularly take delight in watching the live performances of bands. The Carnival comes to an end with the popular Red and Black Dance held by the Clube Panjim on the closing day.

Delightful Goa cuisine :

You will find everything in Goa Carnival, from exciting padres to the great food and good wine. There are hundred of stalls selling the exotic Goan Dishes. Try out the famous shakuti, a curry made of either chicken, lamb or turtle. Other specialists include vindaloo and saurpatel, both made with pork, mutton and liver. But please ask them to go easy with chillies. You can't leave the place without taking the pleasure of potent feni, the popular liquor drink in cashew and palm variants supplemented with the plum puddings. You may also find stalls catering to aerated drinks, alcoholic beverages, ice-creams and snacks.