The Goa Carnival is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals of the state. This exciting three-day non-stop extravaganza of fun and frolic is uniquely Goan and is not celebrated anywhere else in India. Held in the month of February, the Goa Carnival usually commences on Sabado Gordo (Fat Saturday) and concludes on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday)-the eve of Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of the season of Lent (the period of fasting and penance in the Christian calendar and corresponding somewhat to the Mohammedan fast before Ramzan Id).
The word Carnival is said to derived from the Latin word "Carne" meaning meat and Vale meaning "Good- bye". Some also consider it an expression of the 40-day period of fasting of Lent, during which abstinence from meat is a rule. These carnivals were started in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, and gradually became popular across the world. The Carnival in Goa was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled over the state for over five thousand years.
The Goa Carnival is a three-day bout of feasting, drinking, and gallivanting. The carnival is presided over by King Momo, who on the opening day orders his subjects to party. Every nook and corner of Goa comes alive with music, graceful dances, street plays, cultural festivals, competitions, parties and programs. Mock battles are fought and procession with banner move through the trunk roads. One of the major attractions of Goa Carnival is the colourful parade Float that is organized throughout the state in association with the Goa State Tourism Department. People from varied religion dressed in colourful attires can be seen dancing on the streets during this grand procession headed by the legendary King Momo. The final day of the Goa Carnival concludes with the famous Red-and-Black dance held by the Clube National in Panjim.
The word Carnival is said to derived from the Latin word "Carne" meaning meat and Vale meaning "Good- bye". Some also consider it an expression of the 40-day period of fasting of Lent, during which abstinence from meat is a rule. These carnivals were started in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, and gradually became popular across the world. The Carnival in Goa was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled over the state for over five thousand years.
The Goa Carnival is a three-day bout of feasting, drinking, and gallivanting. The carnival is presided over by King Momo, who on the opening day orders his subjects to party. Every nook and corner of Goa comes alive with music, graceful dances, street plays, cultural festivals, competitions, parties and programs. Mock battles are fought and procession with banner move through the trunk roads. One of the major attractions of Goa Carnival is the colourful parade Float that is organized throughout the state in association with the Goa State Tourism Department. People from varied religion dressed in colourful attires can be seen dancing on the streets during this grand procession headed by the legendary King Momo. The final day of the Goa Carnival concludes with the famous Red-and-Black dance held by the Clube National in Panjim.
