History
Goa Carnival is based on the Catholic tradition of Mardi Gras. The source of this festival dates back to when the Portuguese colonised Goa, and this celebration became obscure due to Estado Novo (celebrated on the same day as the carnival). Timoteo Fernandes, a Goan musician, in the year 1965, modelled the current festivities after the Rio Carnival to attract tourists and ensure the Goan tradition and culture remained intact.
Parade
The parade starts on the 25th of February (also known as Fat Saturday), with an actor chosen for the role of King Momo. King Momo is considered the king of carnivals in Spanish and Latin American festivities, and his arrival signifies the start of the fiesta. You can see horse-drawn carriages, floats with busts, and decorated bullock carts during the procession. The highlight of the carnival is the parade and people in elaborate and flashy costumes. It is truly a sight to behold for the colours and the festivities.
Join in the Celebrations
The Carnival Festival in Goa is celebrated in 4 towns across Goa - Panaji, Vasco Da Gama, Mapusa and Margo.
Panaji -The celebration happens in and around Maruti Temple, Reis Magos Fort, Fontainhas, Vainguinim Beach, and Goa State Museum.
Vasco Da Gama - The festivities are convened in and around the Japanese Garden, St. Andrew's Church, Mormugao Fort, and Monkey Beach.
Mapusa - Join in the celebrations in and around Milagres Church, Shree Ganesh Temple, St. Jerome Church, and Shri Dev Bodgeshwar Sansthan.
Margo - Witness the festivities at Our Lady of Grace Church, Colva Beach Road, Sat Burzam Ghor, Municipal Garden, Holy Spirit Church, Goa Chitra Museum, and Shree Damodar Temple.
Things to do at the Carnival
If you are an art lover, then you will enjoy the canvasses showcased by local artists at this carnival. You can also head to the masquerade ball if you’re in the mood to party, wearing a unique mask. Also, do not miss the Red and Black dance, where the dress-up theme is black and red - men tend to wear red shirts and black pants and, women wear red and black dresses and dance to live music being played.
Food and Drinks
King Momo says, “Kha, Piye, Maja Kar,” translating to eat, drink and make merry. This sentence is the epitome of the carnival! Do not miss the delectable flavours of Goan cuisine, mainly consisting of seafood and meat. Be sure to try the local drink called Feni, this drink has two variations, one is made from cashew and another is made from coconut, each having its unique flavour. Do note that Feni contains 75% alcohol.
