Goa Carnival 2024 - Opportunity to Enjoy

 
Goa is a state in India which is located on the Konkan coastal belt which is in the western coast of the Indian peninsula. Goa is bordered with Karnataka on the East and South, Maharashtra on the North and with the Arabian Sea on the West. The capital city of Goa is Panaji also known as Panjim, which is around 600km from Mumbai and Bangalore. Goa is split into two districts, the North and the South. North Goa is home to the capital city of Panaji, Fort Aguada and Candolim, Chapora, Vagator, the beaches Baga, Anjuna and Calangute. South Goa is home to Margao, Colva, Benolem and Vasco da Gama Bogmalo. The streets of Goa come alive during carnival bustling with Goan cultures and tradition. There are numerous market vendors filling the streets selling a huge array of Goan arts, crafts and mouth-watering foods and drinks. Multiple bands, musicians and street performers like fire breathers are out on the streets entertaining the crowds and the streets are full of people, everyone having a great time with fun.
 
 
Goa Carnival is one of the few carnivals in Asia and the only carnival celebration in India. It is a colorful and vibrant celebration before the onset of lent. The origins of Goa Carnival are based on the Catholic tradition of Mardi Gras. Having a celebration which includes partying and large consumptions of food and drink before the 40 days of sacrifice and fasting that occurs during Lent. Goa Carnival was brought to India by the Portuguese settlers during the time they ruled over the area some 500 years ago. In the beginning of Goa Carnival, the carnival was more about Portuguese culture and traditions but as time went on the carnival evolved and became more about Goan culture.
 
 
Carnival is the most important event in Goa and all the preparations for the carnival celebrations begin early on in December when the streets are beautifully decorated with attractive lighting and luxurious grand balls are held. Goa Carnival is a riot of energy, colour, extravagant dances, positive vibes, music performances and unmatched exuberance. It is a unique carnival that shows off the wonderful Goan culture, which is mixed in with a few hints of its Portuguese heritage. Goa Carnival is a favourite national event and is a big tourist draw, attracting thousands from all over India and around the world. The festivities during Goa Carnival include balloons, horse-drawn carriages, decorated bullock carts dancing troupes, revelers wearing masks and costumes, live music, sports competitions, floats and parades, food and drinking.
 
 
Goa Carnival is a lively and exhilarating carnival which is famous for its colourful processions and vibrant energy. Although it is technically a Catholic celebration, Goa Carnival has been mixed with local Goan culture and many Hindu traditions. Goa Carnival begins on Fat Saturday evening with an incredibly grand procession which is headed up by the Carnival King Momo. Huge street celebrations occur all over the state with amazing parades full of colourful costumes and large incredible floats. Lots of extravagant dance and music performances are held everywhere. You can watch a play performed by the locals which exhibits the Goan culture as well as their enthusiasm and love for fun. Khell or Fell is the famous Goan one-act folk play which uses exciting colours and Intruzachim Geetam or Fella-Gitam are performed by the singers that walk around singing accompanied by local musicians.
 
 
Goa Carnival hosts the parades in four cities which are Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa. The parades of Goa Carnival are big spectacles that feature dancers, musicians, fire-breathers, jesters, acrobats, clowns and brass bands who put on spectacular performances as they parade down main streets. Ornamented floats are an important symbol of Goa Carnival and great efforts go into decorating them according to the themes. These themes relate to things like Goan traditions, Goan culture, politics and current affairs. Another parade highlight are the horse-drawn carriages which have been decorated beautifully. Performers showcase traditional Goan dances wearing incredibly colourful costumes with intricate designs.
 
 
Goan Carnival is about eating, drinking and having fun as the Carnival King Momo says. So of course you must indulge in the delicious Goan food and great drinks! The night time is for non-stop partying and grand masquerade balls. Masked revellers in large crowds take to streets and give into the hedonistic pursuits of excessive drinking and consumption of foods. The final day of the celebrations is considered the most spectacular as it is the final chance to celebrate before Lent begins. Carnival closes with the popular Red and Black dance.
 

Visiting Information:

Goa Carnival Date: Feb 10 – Feb 13 2024.
Where to Celebrate: Panaji, Vasco, Mapusa and Margao.
Famous for: Cultural, Festival of Color, Dance and Music
Nearest Airport: Dabolim and Mopa Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Margao and Vasco-da-Gama


Fairs & Festivals Thumb ›  Pushkar Fair Festival

South India Tours Thumb ›  South India Heritage Tour

East India Tours Thumb ›  Bhubaneshwar Puri Tour

Adventure Tours Thumb ›  Camel Safari Tour

Beach Tours Thumb ›  Beach Vacations

Weekend Getaways Thumb ›  Rafting Tour Package

Same Day Tours Thumb ›  Agra Taj Mahal Tour