The high spirits of Goa shoot up during the three-day Goa Carnival celebrations. Introduced by the Portuguese settlers who ruled Goa for about 500 years and celebrated originally by the Catholics, this carnival is one-of-its-kind in India and has dissolved all communal barriers. The three days preceding Lent (February) see all Goa whirling to the mad beat of the music, drink, and dance. King Momo and his consort preside over the festivities, who are chosen from among the participants.
Venue Location: The carnival will be celebrated in 4 major places: Panjim, Mapusa, Margao, and Vasco.
Activities
A lively and rousing carnival, you will have a blast during the colorful processions in Goa. Although this is a Catholic celebration, the carnival has gotten mixed with local Goan culture and several Hindu traditions over the years.
The festivities of the Goa Carnival start on Fat Saturday evening with an extravagant parade led by the Carnival King Momo.
Who is King Momo? A person from Goa is selected to play King Momo. He becomes the official King of Carnival and leads the processions on a grand level, surrounded by dancers, acrobats, clowns, and musicians. He declares that the decree of the Goa Carnival is “”Kha, Piye, Aani Majja Kar””, meaning to eat, drink, and be merry. Afterward, the entire Goa erupts into joy and excitement.
For an insight into Goan art and culture, there are many exhibitions arranged during the Carnival in Goa 2023. As the sun sets, the party doesn’t stop, keeping the visitors and locals engaged with the grand masquerade balls. Masked revelers take over the streets and give themselves to hedonistic activities of excessive drinking and consumption of food.
The last day is said to be the most spectacular. It is the final chance to celebrate before Lent begins. And during this, you can witness the famous Red and Black Dance.
This carnival is also about celebrating, having fun, drinking, and of course, gorging on delicious food. So, if you want to try Indian food, it is the best time to relish mouth-watering fish and meat dishes, at all the hotels and restaurants.
