Goa is not only famous for its beaches and nightlife. People do pay their visit to Goa to witness some unique and traditional festivals. Carnival is one such festival, for which travelers come from all over the world.
Carnival is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent. The main events are usually during February. Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party. People often dress up as Masked men during the celebrations, which is an overturning of the normal things of everyday life.
The carnival every year covers the entire state and the festivities including a parade of colorful floats and troupes of masked revelers attired in gorgeous costumes singing and dancing to lively music that is usually performed live. The best floats are given handsome prizes too.
This big bash depicts the tradition and culture of Goa in a unique way. The origins of the carnival are apparently the hedonistic feasts of ancient Rome and Greece. It made its appearance in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, where it metamorphosed into the very Latin singing-dancing-drinking bouts. The carnival is presided over by King Momo, who on an opening day orders his subjects to party.
The exciting and fun-filled four-day non-stop extravaganza is a Pagan festival popular in Latin American countries that were colonies of Portugal at some point in time.
The Carnival is uniquely Goan and is not celebrated anywhere else in India. It is a typical Latin, song, music, and dance and precedes the Lent. The highlight of the exotic frenzy of merriment is the appointment and arrival of “KING MOMO” and his retinue to the capital city Panaji on Fat Saturday, the eve of Carnival.
It is a happy of religion, heritage and above all the spirit of harmony that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
