Viva Carnival

Goa Carnival 2023

Goa is known as the pearl of the east because it is a vibrant and beautiful place full of color and life. In Goa we celebrate various festivals like Christmas, feasts, Diwali, Shigmo and many more. Ash Wednesday is just around the corner and so it is time for the most awaited celebration of the year. It is none other than The Goan Carnival. Carnival or Carnaval is the most famous celebration in the state that is being celebrated since the 18th century which was introduced by the Portuguese.

 Goa Carnival goes for four days and nights and ends  on Shrove Tuesday which is the day before Lent. There is something for all age groups in the carnival. Like for the kids there are floats with cartoon characters, disney characters like princesses, minions, toy story and many more, for the teenagers there are various dances and music from hip hop to rock and much more and for the older generation there are folk dances, awareness floats, dark comedy and so on.

Goa Carnival starts with King Momo leading the parade on a magnificent float with other performers, dancers, musicians and more entertainers. King Momo declares that the decree of carnival is “Kha, Piye, Aani Majja Kar”, which translates to eat, drink and be merry.

Now carnival is not all about the music and dances, but there are various traditions that are also celebrated. For instance, the performers will dress up in their costumes, do their make up and prank their friends and family. Another old Goa Carnival tradition sees Goans throwing their old kitchen utensils out of their kitchen windows, which is done when the parade walks by. This is gesture to show that new things are required to prepare for the coming easter. It truly is a day like no other.

~Benecia Fernandes

Picture credit:

 Benecia Fernandes 

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