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Goa Carnival 2017: Everything you need to know

Image Courtesy: Goasearch

With an array of vibrant floats and streets full of energetic locals, Goa Carnival 2017 is ‘The Place’ to be this February. From masquerading characters in spectacular costumes to the troupes of dancers and musicians, entertainers leave no stone unturned when it comes to this 4-day fiesta.  

Every year, thousands of people from all over the country come down to Goa to witness this visual spectacle, which is not celebrated elsewhere in India. So get ready for a colourful ride for we are going to take you through the elaborate festivities that will be taking place at Goa Carnival 2017.   😀 

Goa Carnival 2017: When & Where? 

Four days of King Momo’s reign of fun and frolic will kickstart in Goa from February 25-28. The Carnival Parades will first be showcased in Panjim and then follow to cities like Mapusa, Margao, and Vasco in the next three days. Here’s a detailed schedule of the Carnival entourage at different cities: 

  • 25th February: Panjim
  • 26th February: Margao
  • 27th February: Vasco, Curchorem & Shiroda
  • 28th February: Mapusa & Ponda

Though there are celebrations all across Goa, the festive revelry along the D.B. Road in Panjim is the grandest of all. The festival culminates with the famous Red and Black Ball held at the Clube National in Panjim, on the evening of the last day. 

GG-Lokaso-Blogpost41-carnival2Credits: globalexcursionindia

Significance of Goa Carnival 

The word ‘carnival’ is derived from the Latin words ‘Carne’ and ‘Vale’ which means to bid a goodbye to meat. The Goa Carnival is an integral part of the Portuguese heritage of the state. It is celebrated right before the commencement of the holy month of ‘Lent’ which marks the abstinence from meat eating for all Christians. Despite the religious undertones, the festival today has come to be a cultural highlight of the state, rather than of the religion.

100+ mesmerising floats to put you in an awe this Goa Carnival 2017

The Colourful Parades of Carnival usually begin around 3 pm and last for about 4-5 hours. One can expect a huge number of musical parades, lavish floats, short plays, wines and much more here. Generally, it’s either a whole family or the people from a village who come together to put up a unique float and a cultural display for the public.

All the participants of this Parade compete with each other to win some exciting prizes. Last year saw many innovative floats on themes like Swachh Bharat campaign, Environmental Conservation, Mangalyaan II and FC Goa among others. We are sure that this year will be nothing less. Be there to catch the amazing cultural exhibits in person and do post it on our Lokaso App! 😉

GG_Lokaso-Blogpost41-carnivalfloatCredits: JoeGoaUK

Who is ‘King Momo’ for Goa Carnival 2017?

King Momo, or the king of Chaos, is a character derived from the Greek god satire, Momus. Traditionally, a tall and large gentleman is chosen to fulfill the role because of the physical stature which he actually had. After the Coronation, it is the King Momo who declares the festival open with his famous statement -“Eat, drink and make merry”

Coming back to our question, Goan musician and entertainer, Roque Tome Fernandes has been chosen as the Great King Momo for Goa Carnival 2017 who will be essaying it for the fifth time.

GG_Lokaso-Blogpost41-KingmomoKing Momo of Goa Carnival 2016; Credits: JoeGoaUK

Local tips from Lokaso – #GoaCarnival2017

Goa carnival is an event open for all. There are no tickets for this colourful festival. February marks the climax of peak season of tourism in Goa. Hence, it is advisable for you to book your accommodation in advance. There are a number of affordable hotels in Panjim for the backpacking crowd too.

Try occupying the roadside lawns on the D.B.Road before the parades start to enjoy a comfortable view of all the colourful floats while you remain seated. 

Other than that, all you need during Carnival is a pair of sneakers and casual wear as Carnival happens on streets and people throw colours on each other as a part of the revelry. 

For some insider tips on local restaurants and other scenic spots near Panjim and the locations of Carnival, follow the Lokaso legends on our Android App.

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