Goa Carnival - The Sweet Taste of Goa Culture

The smallest state in India, Goa is well known as the most popular holidaying destination
all over the world where millions of tourists make their visit in a year. There are so many reasons and exciting events which also plays a vital role in the state’s tourism among which the Goa Carnival remains to the prominent one. Like honeymoon in one’s life Goa Carnival is also the same, the most eagerly awaited event in the country, India. Held before Lent in the mid February, the carnival is a colorful festival celebrated for three days and nights. It is an ideal time to look upon the real colors of the state and the Goan people. Make your travel towards the state during this celebration and enjoy the colorful parades, foot tapping music with lovely dances and processions which draws tourist’s attention from every nook of the world. The month of February is said to be the busiest festival season in the state and advance booking is must during these month as it is the peak tourist season. 

The origin of Goa Carnival dates back to the early times of Portuguese who ruled the state for 500 years and first introduced this festival. The word “Carnival” is derived from a Latin word meaning “to take away meat”. In the early days it was the only festival of Christians residing in Goa which now has become a major tourist attractions and the most popular event. The nature of Carnival can be traced to the pleasure seeking feasts of early Rome and Greece. In the past days the festival now called as Carnival was the day of celebration of dancing, drinking and singing. It is also called as “Intruz” and the event is held at Lautolim, a small state located in the south Goa. During the annual carnival the entire people of the Goa are dressed up in attractive clothing at their best. They represent their own collections of dressing style and remain to be at their best in the festival.

The event takes place in Fat Tuesday which is said to be the beginning or after Epiphany and ending on the day before Ash Wednesday. It is a celebration of dances, songs and is done with great pomp and shows. It is not only the Goa people who take participate in the festival but, people from all over the world make their visit to Goa during the festival and even various actors and actress take participate. The Parade starts at Panaji and later in Mapusa and Vasco. Every streets and towns are decorated with different colors and you can see the joyfulness of every single people joining the celebration. The festival is followed by various dancing troupes, costumed people and parades. The famous red and black dace is held at Club national Park in Panaji.

Various troops’ displays their own religious culture, traditional practices, art and crafts and the even prize is awarded for the best performances to encourage the participants. The carnival is the most exciting and unique festival celebrated in any part of the country and make sure that you won’t miss an opportunity to be a part of this three days festivity. Enjoy each and every second with pocketful of joy and happiness.