Festival Facts

Festive Time             : February
Place                            : Panjim, Goa, India
Carnival Duration  : three nights and days
Attractions               : song, mask dance, parades, music band, street play on historic themes, grand feast
Things to do             : parading, dancing, eating, playing with vibrant colors and potatoes

Marked with the beauty of sun-kissed beaches and historic churches, Goa flabbergast its explorers. Now, when talking about the festivals celebrated in the state, “Goa Carnival” calls for prime attention. This unique event was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled over Goa for over five centuries.

Goa Carnival is a bouquet of fun and frolic. It is the most glitzy festival, which spread its charm in international countries, all over the world. The Carnival is loud and it is announced in the month of February. The festive mood spreads in the aura just before Easter Sunday and people start beautifying Goa with glittering ribbons, papers and streamers.

Activities in Goa Carnival 2010

Goa Carnival is a 3 day affair, which fuses magic all day and night. The Christian festival unfurls unlimited activities, including street plays with historic themes, songs and graceful dances by the attendees. The festival fever reach the peak level and Goans miss no chance to highlight their Konkani culture in the form of dances and musics. Enthusiasts enjoy parading in the open air, wearing mask and shaking their body, playing guitars and drum-sets etc.

Also, many local clubs make special arrangement to make the occasion a remarkable one. Red and black dances, decorated chariots on the streets and dramas depicting the story of King Momo, who is believed to has introduced the festival in 18th century, are common functions on the carnival. Many believe to follow the tradition connected with the festival. Accordingly, fruits, flour, egg, dirty water, glue etc were thrown at the passer’s buy. Many also target kitchen utensils, clay pots and old articles away from the home and adorn their home with new ones.