The world-renowned Goa Carnival will begin on February 26 with traditional float parades being held in several areas in association with local civic bodies, an official said on Friday.
The first float parade will held in Panaji on February 26, followed by another the next day in Margao, Corporation of City of Panaji Commissioner Agnelo Fernandes said.
The parades will be flagged off at 3.30 PM following Covid protocols and the Model code of conduct for general assembly elections. There will be no commercial floats or floats on a political theme.
The tourism department has decided to host the parade in four cities this year. The parades will be held on February 26 in Panaji, February 27 in Margao, February 28 in Vasco, and March 1 in Mapusa. Requests have not been received from municipal councils in other towns.
The tourism department usually hosts parades in six cities across the state. Last year, there were only two parades, at Panaji and Margao. It was perhaps the first time in the history of the coastal state’s tourism that only two parades were held last year.
The state tourism department has invited applications from people who desire to be ‘King Momo’, a mythological figure who traditionally heralds the float parade, he added.
The Goa Carnival commemorates the 450-year-old presence of the Portuguese in Goa. It is a festival organised before Lent, which is meant for fasting and penance among the Catholics, 40 days ahead of Easter celebrations.
With each city hosting a parade on every separate night, Goan streets light up with marching bands, group dances and people dressed in colourful costumes.
A trip to Goa is a dream come true for tourist. Lying in the west coast of India, it possesses a perpetual charm. Also known as the ‘pearl of the east’, Goa is well known for its Gothic churches, temples, historical monuments, palm-fringed beaches, coconut orchards, ferry rides and vivacious folk music. Goa’s matchlessness lies in the fact that while creating an elusive amalgamation of motley of cultures, it has maintained its innate essence. Goa is surely a land of dreams and romanticism, an eternal world of gentle, generous people and leisurely activity. It is in true sense a lush green paradise. With the promises of the shimmering beaches, azure waters and with the kiss of the sun and palms, Goa is a tourist destination throughout the year. This tiny state is situated on the west coast of India, between the borders of Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is better identified to the world as the former Portuguese enclave on Indian soil.