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Who has not heard of the famous Goa Carnival?
If the word Carnival conjures up images of vibrant colours, people dressed in fancy costumes, lots of fun and revelry, then the Goa Carnaval will not disappoint you! One of Goa’s most popular and enduring attractions is the Goa Carnival. Experience the carnival just like it is in South America, yet with a distinctly Indian touch. The carnival consists of parades across the length and breadth of Goa, most noticeably in Margao, Panaji, Vasco and Mapusa. Like all other Latin American carnivals, the Goa Carnaval culminates in the crowning of the indubitable King Momo, who is selected from the participants.
Dating back to the reign of the Portuguese, the carnival has a distinct Portuguese flavor; yet it has transcended any cultural or religious barriers and is an iconic Goan event.
The Carnival comes from early Christianity, and is celebrated in several countries, especially in South America, and is popularly known as Mardi Gras. The carnival typically falls on the last Tuesday before the Lent season begins. It is the last day that believing Christians eat rich foods before they go into the fasting or abstinence period.
With the long Portuguese settlement in the state, the Carnival has become very much a part and parcel of Goan culture and heritage. This 4-day jamboree of fun and folic is much awaited by the locals and tourists alike.
While Goa is the quintessential tourist paradise, nothing brings out the colours and flavours of Goa like the carnival does! And nothing brings in the tourists in hordes like the carnival does! Tourists Indian and international, looking to have fun and make merry make a beeline to this event. There are parades all over the streets of Goa, coupled with dancers and live music bands. The entire State is decked up in fancy lights and decorations. And of course, what is Goa without food and drinks. The sumptuous food and drink stalls further add to the revelry.
The fourth day marks the finale of the event and is a glorious spectacle to behold. The King of Chaos, Momo, leads this parade, urging the public to ‘eat, drink and make merry’. He is accompanied by a motley coterie of jesters, fire-eaters, dancers, clowns, acrobats and what-have-you.
It continues to be cool and breezy in February, so it’s a great time to be in Goa. Ideally, you would want to book early though, as hotel prices, as well as flight tickets are much in demand, and thus pretty high.
When: 10th – 13th February, 2018
Where: All over the streets of Goa!
Entry: Free, and open to all
Fred Travels offers transportation facilities to the Carnival
