Goa Carnival - Famous Beach Festival

Beach Festivals in India :

Goa is a land of celebrations and festivals. The enthusiastic Goa celebrates a lot many festivals among which Goa Carnival is the most celebrated one. Exclusive to Goa, the Carnival is a time for frolic and merrymaking. Thanks to Portuguese who introduced this festival Goans in the 18th century. It is a time when Christians and Hindus, young and old all are engrossed in the festivities. With the advent of February, the preparations for the festival starts. The three day long festival makes Goa more lively and vivacious. The locals and the tourists all are attracted towards this festival of Goa.

Just before the austere days of Lent for 40 days, the people of Goa indulge in merrymaking through feasting and drinking. You get to see the big parades, processions, bands, and the melody of music, songs, musical instruments etc. Over the years, the carnival has become synonymous to the sparkling spirit of Goa. Though it was initiated as a local feast but it has changed a bit over the years. The striking floats and the pageantry make the carnival more distinguishable. It concludes with the red and black dance which is held by the Club National in Panajim.

Goa Carnival in its Historical Times

Many theories abound for explaining the origin of Goa Carnival. The word Carnival is a Latin word which means “giving up meat”. It indicates the relish with which meat dishes are eaten during the festivities before Lent. In its initial times, the festival was celebrated by Portuguese by throwing eggs, flour, oranges lemons mud and dirty water at each other with a spirit of fun. This act signify getting rid of old and dirty things before Lent.

Attractions of Goa Carnival

The festival falls on Sabato Gordo (Fat Saturday) when the festivities are enjoyed for whole three days and night. King Momo presides the feast and asks the subjects to be happy and leave their worries. This indicates the starting of the feast and merrymaking for three days. In th evening grand balls are organized. You could witness a riot of colors during the festival.

The festival involves music, masked dances, cross dressings, and mock battles which are called cocotes. Also another interesting event is when the youngsters raid their neighbor's kitchens with a trick or treat alternative. It is really amusing and is called assaltos. The ball in Red and Black dance culminates the festivities. A liberal use of feni peps up the spirit of Goa Carnival. The spectacular feast has become a center of attraction for many now.