Goa Carnival

Its an open invitation for all those who can come - for the grand party which goes on for 3 days - 24 * 7. The huge Carnival moves from one part of Goa to another, making merryment in midst of dancers and musicians. The clowns, the local people, children, young and aged all particiapte in this drink and dine party which invites all to come out of their homes, in the streets to dance, play, eat and have fun. Its as if the whole of Goa is on a party.

Goa, famous for its beaches is a happening city which welcomes people round the year. It in the streets of this ever happening city that the Goa Carnival is celebrated. Its a 3 days, non - stop frolic called the Goa Carnival. Goa carnival originated in the Portuguese Society of Goa in the year 1961. The word Go Carnival came from the Latin word Carrus Navalis. Crane meaning Meat and Navalis meaning good bye. So for the three days before carnival there is total abstinance from Meat Eating (though there are discrepencies to this ideology). Some believe that Carrus Navalis is the name of the boat shaped carraige which paraded during Roman festival Saturnalia, in the Honour of the Saturn. The Goa Festival is held in the month of February.


About Goa Carnival

Goa Carnival represents a king of Chaos called the King Momo. Though the Carnival is only for three days, it takes months for its preparation. As the entire city is involved, it looks as if everyone is getting prepared or is making preparations for a grand party. The three day festival is primarly celebrated by Christians, though nowadays whole of the Goan people participate in the festival once its on the streets devoid of the demarcations of caste and creed. In these three days King Momo takes over the state and begins the frevour of dance, music and merryment. For the three days and nights, Goa comes alive and nobody sleeps.

The Goa Carnival is meant to be a feasting - drinking - merrying orgy just before the Austere 40 days of Lent. Huge parades of dance and music bands float out on the streets of Goa with grand balls in the evening and the late night parties going on each and every corner of the Goan Streets. The Goa Carnival ends with the famous Red and Black Dance held in Panjim - the Capital of Goa.