Goa Carnival

The Goa carnival is synonymous with the state of Goa and is the manifestation of the quintessential fun-loving spirit of Goan's at its sublime best. Largely a legacy of the Portuguese era, the Goa carnival has transcended the confines of its religious roots. Seen in a wider context, the carnival of Goa is one of the several carnivals held in different parts of the world that precede the 40-day abstinence period of Lent.The Goa carnival is held for three days and preparation for this colorful extravaganza starts at least three months in advance.

When the big day comes calling, a riot of colors and merriment engulfs the state with elaborate processions winding through the streets. At the outset 'the king of chaos' or 'King Momo' is chosen and he leads the parade featuring dance troupes and beautiful floats.

The Goa carnival parade is an awesome spectacle encompassing a mind-boggling array of activities. Masked revelers dancing to live band music and ornately decorated floats are the highlights of this fascinating jamboree. The carnival culminates with the famous Red-and-Black dance held by the Clube Nacional in Panaji. Over the years, the Goa carnival has come to embody the very best of the unique Goan culture. On the eve of the carnival tourists from all over the world descend on Goa for a sip of the rich heritage of Goa.

The origins and nature of the carnival can be traced to the wild feasts of ancient Rome and Greece. Here, it is important to note that these carnivals started in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies and gradually became known for their revelry. The word Carnival (Carnaval in Portuguese) is derived from a Latin word, which means 'to take away meat' and is an expression of the 40-day period of fasting of Lent. In India the carnival is celebrated only in Goa and not in any other part. It was on the decline even in Goa in the last few years of the Portuguese rule. With the liberation of Goa, the carnival also got revival and boosted the tourism of the state.

History of Goa Carnival
Goa carnival was brought to India by Portuguese during the time they ruled here and approximately 500 years ago the first every carnival was organised in the state. But it was not the Portuguese originally who had these kind of exuberant riotous celebrations, the culture actually came from ancient Rome and Greece and spread to Spain and Portugal eventually. This quite explains that when Portuguese colonised Goa they wanted their culture to be dominant here and hence this carnival was organised. It had a Portuguese flavour to it earlier but with time the celebrations have taken up the essence of Goan culture and thus people identify with the festivities and take part in the carnival in crazily large numbers.

Goa festivals are an integral part of the state's culture and heritage. Among the festivals of Goa, some are steeped in religious undertones while the others are expressions of the fun-loving nature of the people. The long colonial rule of the Portuguese notwithstanding, the majority of the Goans are Hindus and as such they celebrate most of the traditional festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important festival of the state and is marked by religious observations and rituals. The sizeable Christian community in Goa too celebrate their festivals with fervor and gaiety. Among these, the feast of St. Francis Xavier is the most auspicious one and devotees from all over the world come to Goa to pay homage to St. Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint. The Goa carnival is the most famous festival of Goa known the world over for fascinating parades and colorful celebrations

Fair and Festivals By States