Goa Carnival

About Goa Carnival :
Goa Carnival is the most awaited festival of Goa, which is celebrated here since the 18th century. The three-day non stop festival of colour, dance and music provides complete entertainment to the participants. Although the festival is mainly celebrated by Christians of Goa, but it also has some touch of the Hindu traditions and western dance forms. Originally initiated by the Portuguese as a celebration for the local people, the festival has now crossed the state boundaries and draws thousands of people from all over India. The Goa carnival still retains its original charm, as just like older days a King of Chaos is elected, which is called King Momo. On the opening day King Momo orders his subjects to party. The three days and nights of the carnival is meant for feasting, drinking, merrymaking and several other activities. Huge colourful parades take over the cities of Goa with bands, dances and floats out night and day on the streets. The carnival ends with the red-and-black dance organized by the Club National in Panaji, which is must not be missed event.

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Origin of the Word Carnival :
The word carnival is believed to be derived from the Latin words 'Carne' (meat) and 'Vale' (good bye), meaning 'to take away meat.' Few people link the word to 'Carnislevamen' which means 'the pleasures of meat'.


History of Goa Carnival :
The origin of the Goa Carnival can be traced from the festivals of ancient Rome and Greece. It was started in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, by the erstwhile rulers as a rowdy celebration in which eggs, lemons, flours, mud, dirty water-filled gloves and various liquids were thrown at passerby. In addition, other utensils like old pots, pans and kitchen items were also thrown out of the house. The streets had been transformed into a virtual battlefield with the fierce battle of people, by the use of Plaster-of-Paris, eggs, wax lemons, corncobs, beans and other items. Besides the battle, the festival was also an occasion for unlimited eating in which people gorged on cakes and pastries distributed by convents. Started as a festival of rowdy celebration, the Goa carnival gradually became famous for activities like singing, dancing and drinking.

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Activities during the Goa Carnival :
The first day of the festival starts with its main function headed by King Momo. The function also known as Fat Saturday evening, is marked by a huge procession of varied colour floats. In the cheering ambiance, people use to smear colour on each other. The three-day festival spell bounds the people with cultural programmes and competitions. Preparations for the festival begins in the months of December and January. The participants wear their fancy costumes and elaborated masks, especially designed for the occasion. The winners of the competitions are selected by specially appointed judges, while King Momo distributes the prizes to the winners.