Goa Carnival is one of the most awaited events by the people of Goa. The tiny costal state known for its sun kissed beaches hosts the carnival every year which is usually held for 3 to 4 days in the month of February. The carnival is celebrated with great zeal and zest by the fun loving people of the Goa.
The tropical paradise of India comes alive with fun, frolic, music, amusement, merry-making and nonstop festivity during the three days and nights. The carnival exemplifies the fun-loving culture that is characteristic of Goa. Though this is essentially a Christian festival it cuts across all the religions and people from all backgrounds join in the unbridled revelry.
Goa Carnival 2020 Date: When is Goa Carnival?
Goa Carnival will be celebrated from 22nd february to 25th feb, 2020.
Goa Carnival History
The Goa carnival which is unique to Goa in India has a history of nearly 500 years. The Goa Carnival was started by the Portuguese rulers since Goa was a dominion of Portugal till 1961. Since then, the carnival is celebrated every year with great grandeur and gaiety.
The word carnival is derived from the Latin word carne vale which means abstinence from meat. Carnival or carnaval is celebrated for four days starting with the Saturday preceding lent. The main highlight of Goa carnival is to have fun by indulging in singing, dancing, feasting, etc. before the 40 day abstinence period of Lent before Easter.
How is Goa Carnival Celebrated?
During the three day festivity the streets are decorated with streamers and colourful ribbons and papers. Carnival floats, balls and street dances take over the streets of Goa. Throughout the state, many fun parades are organized.
Carnival parades have been an annual feature for the traditional festivities organised across five cities in the state. The Carnival of Panjim is the most popular of all parades in comparison to others that follow in Margoa, Vasco, Mapusa etc.
The main floats parade takes place in Panjim on Saturday called Fat Saturday. A king of chaos called "Momo" is chosen at the start of the carnival and he presides over the three day activity. The float carrying King Momo's entourage leads the parade. Beautifully decorated floats depicting Goan life and world events are seen on the streets.
Many dancing troupes and pulsating rhythms of guitars, folk songs and drumbeats accompany the parade of floats. There are competitions and functions with the winners being given prizes by the king. The entire city turns into a party zone. A play cum dance song of Mussol is a special attraction during the carnival. Besides this some grand balls are arranged in the evenings.
The Carnival concludes with the famous red-and-black dance held by the Club National in Panaji on the final day. This grand carnival attracts thousands of people from all over the country and abroad who come here to be a part of the festival filled with colours, fun and merriment.