Take out your most colorful dress and get ready for fun and partying, because this is Goa Carnival time! And the best way to explore the psychedelic blend of rich Indian and Portuguese culture of the place. The carnival is celebrated during the last weeks of February or the first weeks of March every year and attracts a huge throng of travelers from everywhere in the world.
The carnival lasts for 4-days followed by music, dance, street plays & fairs, feast, drinks, and lots of fun. The colorful float parades led by the imaginary King Momo commence from the carnival eve, called Fat Saturday. A lively procession to welcome the King and his entourage follows with the artists and locals wearing colorful costumes, unique face masks, singing and dancing folks, and street plays. To witness the awesomeness of the state, all you need to do is follow King Momo’s message, “Kha, piye aani majja Kar” translating to “eat, drink, and make merry” and book your Goa Carnival getaway before it sells out!
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The Goa Carnival or Carnaval celebrations go back to many ancient times during the introduction of Roman Catholic traditions of Mardi Gras. Goa Carnival was introduced in India around the 18th century by the Portuguese settlers and hence you can see glimpses of Portuguese culture in the celebrations. Though, with time, the carnival evolved to be more about Goa tradition, art, and culture promotion all around the country and beyond.
The only carnival festival of India, Goa Carnival is celebrated with vibrant energy before the month of Lent starts, which is very significant for Catholics as it comes right after Easter. A tradition of no meat is followed during these 40days of Lent.
The festivities commence on Saturday evening of the last week of February or the first week of March with a grand procession which is led by the made-up Carnival King Momo. A big celebration with floats, parades, dance, plays, and music is held all over the streets everywhere with lots of fun, frolic, food, and drinks.
The days to visit and admire the unique art by the local artisans and culture showcasing the exquisite Portuguese influence on the state is the best thing to do in Goa while attending the Carnival.
The night takes on a different turn altogether with non-stop partying on the beaches and lavish masquerade balls organized at cafes and restaurants.
The last night of Goa Carnival is celebrated with the famous tradition- of Red and Black Dance which is organized by the Clube Nacional in Panjim and is truly something you don’t want to miss. The women in red-colored dresses and the men in black look astounding when performing with great precision and coordination.
The capital city of the state, Panaji is a most-visited tourist destination in Goa and the place to partake in Goa Carnival this year. During the Carnival, the colorful streets come more alive than ever with music and exuberant floating parades, and much entertainment and delicious food. To indulge in the festivities and witness the unique fusion of Indo-Portuguese traditions and monuments, visit Maruti Temple, Vainguinim Beach, Fontainhas, Reis Magos Fort, Bom Jesus Basilica, and much more.
Famous for its pristine beaches, lush hills, and centuries-old forts and churches, Vasco da Gama reflects a deep influence of Portuguese art, culture, and rich preserved history more electrically during Goa Carnival. Japanese Garden, Monkey Beach, St. Andrew’s Church, Sao Jacinto Island, Hansa Beach, Mormugao Fort, Pilot Point, and Heart-Shaped Lake are the major attraction among tourists in Vasco Da Gama city, to enjoy the celebration of the carnival.
Situated about 13km from Panaji, Mapusa is another popular tourist attraction in northern Goa and a main market town of the state. Due to its proximity to many famous beaches and historical pieces, the place offers the perfect backdrop and atmosphere to indulge in the celebrations of the Goa Carnival in 2023. So, let’s roll with the drums and attend the Carnival in many famous places in Mapusa including Milagres Church, Shree Ganesh Temple, Datta Temple, St. Jerome Church, and Shree Dev Bodgeshwar.
The cultural and commercial capital of Goa, Margao is one of the most famous tourist places in Goa. Situated on the banks of the River Sal, this oldest Portuguese colonial settlement in Goa celebrates the last 4th day of Goa Carnival with great enthusiasm. To capture the vibrancy of the town, one must visit places in Margaon are Old Market Circle, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Colva Beach Road, Our Lady of Grace Church, Holy Spirit Church, Municipal Garden, Shree Damodar Temple, and Sat Burzam Ghor.
We all are familiar with the glorious heritage history and beaches of Goa and if you want to experience the rich culture filled with fun and food, then Goa Carnival is your getaway ticket. There are endless fun and thrilling things to do in Goa during the Carnival and here’s a sneak peek of the most-loved things to indulge in-
1. Get your freaks on with the funniest tradition of Goa Carnival, Assoltes, and be ready to get pranked by the artists dressed in costumes.
2. Capture the colorful floating parades led up by a made-up character of King Momo. Attend the cultural and art shows held by the locals.
3. Enjoy the live performances of musicians, dancers, firebreathers, and clowns dressed up in costumes and headgear.
4. Satiate your taste buds with the varieties of food at street fairs and lavish hotels and restaurants.
5. Color the streets with your favorite shade and indulge in a fun fight with eggs, tomatoes, flour, etc.
6. Performed on the last day, the Red and Black Dance is a unique dancing tradition in the Carnival. And is truly a delight to see artists and dancers performing with so much enthusiasm.
Goa is an all-year-long holiday destination and is quite famous among tourists of every kind. If you want to jazz on some more fun, attending the Goa Carnival in February-March every year is the best time to visit Goa. This four-day extravaganza is filled with a series of colorful, fun, and cultural celebrations, offering a great window to look into the insights of this unbreakable blend of Indian and Portuguese legacies.
Goa Carnival is the most-awaited celebration in Goa and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year to relish the festivities. Goa is well-connected to major national and international destinations via flight, train, and road. And this is how you can reach here at your convenience.
By Air: The nearest airport is Dabolim International Airport, situated about 25km from the capital city Panaji. You can book a cab or take a taxi from the airport to reach your destination to attend Goa Carnival.
By Train: The closest railway station is Vasco da Gama, Margaon, and Karmali Railway Station connected to any major cities of the country including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Chennai.
By Road: Goa is well-connected with motorable networks of roads and highways to many major states of India. You can either take a transport bus or embark on a road trip in your own vehicle to reach your destination.
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