Come February-March, a three-letter word aptly describes the mood in Goa — FUN! It is time for the carnival, a three-day fiesta that has revellers dressed in flamboyant costumes swinging to the beats of loud music and relishing spicy coastal cuisine. This year, Goa dons its carnival avatar from March 1-4. The streets of Panaji, Margao, Vasco da Gama and Mapusa will come alive with one of the funkiest celebrations of culture in the country.
The carnival is a legacy of the state’s former Portuguese rule. Though it is primarily a Christian affair, non-Christians also participate in large numbers, adding a unique local flavour to the celebration of Goan culture.
Preparations begin months in advance. The three days see a flurry of activities including live song and dance performances, plays enacting episodes from Goan history, competitions and even mock battles.
The highlight of the festival is the grand parade of brightly coloured floats based on different themes. It is led by a person crowned as King Momo — the king of the carnival. Be it a traditional float showcasing Goan life or a zany one portraying a gorilla wedding, they show off the artistic creativity of the designers.
The spectacular extravaganza concludes with the famous Redand- Black dance held by the Clube Nacional, one of the oldest social clubs in Panaji.
The term carnival is said to have been derived from the Italian word carne vale, meaning ‘a farewell to meat’. It is celebrated just before the start of Lent, a period of fasting when Christians traditionally abstain from eating rich food and meat for forty days until Easter. So the days leading up to Lent are marked with rambunctious celebrations around the Christian world.