There are lot of festivals celebrated, among them the
Goa Carnival
is most awaited festival. In the beginning, Carnival was a local
festival but today it attracts lot of Indian and foreign tourists.
The word Carnival is said to be derived from the Latin 'Carne,
meaning meat, and 'Vale' means 'Good-bye'.Introduced by the
portuguese in 18th Century, is the commencement of the fasting of
Lent. During this period abstinence from meat is mandatory.
The Carnival is celebrated in February in all the cities of Goa.
The carnival is presided by the legendary King Momo, who on
the opening days orders his subjects to party.
The Carnival is celebrated in the state for three days and
nights, the streets become live and vibrant with dance and music and
looks riotuous in various colors. Carnival in Goa, is the time for
feast, drinks and celebration before the beginning of the 40days of
Lent. Carnival balls are held in the evening. The Traditional
Carnival Floats starts with King Momo's Float, followed by a
grand Floats parade Competition, Live Bands, DJ's Face paintings,
Fireworks, Clowns, Konkani Songs, music etc.
There are competitions and the prizes were given to the winners by the king. The people
smear colors on each other faces which is a part of the fun. One thing never stops during three days of galore is the music.
The Carnival in Goa ends with the famous icing on the cake is the
Red-and -Black dance held in panjim on the closing day. Canival is unique in Goa and nowhere celebrated in India. Goa Carnival is a celebration and symbol of Goa culture which attracts lot of tourists
from India as well as abroad and advance hotel bookings should be made.
One is planning to visit Goa, February is the right time to visit and enjoy Goa in a different mood.
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