VIVA CARNAVAL GOA -2017
Do you have a dream to be a part of the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans? Funny thing, Mardi Gras is next week, on Tuesday to be exact. Are you sad that you don’t have enough time or money to plan a trip to New Orleans to participate in this famous annual event? Well fret not dear friend; we have our very own brightly coloured, festive carnival called “Carnaval” right here in India. Mardi Gras (also called Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday) and Carnaval are both celebrated for the same reason, reflecting the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. Head to Goa this weekend as the state comes alive to celebrate the annual four day carnaval as a precursor to Lent. Get prepared to be regaled with the bands, dances, street performances and floats out all night on the streets, and grand, formal balls held in the evenings.
Carnaval has been celebrated since 18th century and was introduced by the Portuguese. It’s one final time of fun, feasting, merry-making and a totally pleasurable orgy just before the austerity of fasting for 40 days for Lent. The origins of the carnival can be traced to the hedonistic feasts of ancient Rome and Greece. These carnivals that started in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, gradually became known for their singing, dancing and merry making. The carnival is presided over by King Momo, who on the opening day orders his subjects to party. Now there’s a King we all could love, isn’t it?
King Momo, also known as the King of Chaos, is a character derived from the Greek God Momus, who is the God of satire. He is usually depicted removing a mask. Like in the many of the Latino Carnivals, the Goan Carnival also crowns a King Momo, usually a large gentleman who presides over the festivities. In Goa, the court of King Momo is usually made up of fire eaters, jesters, dancers, a brass band and other revellers who make their way down the streets of Panaji whilst the King encourages people to “Kha, piye aani majja kar” i.e. “Eat, drink and make merry. This year a certain Roque Tome Fernandes has been selected as King Momo. Do not miss the big float with King Momo on it, lest you miss his decree to take part in the revelry!
This year the legendary King Momo will rule over Goa for four days and will throw open Carnaval and start the revelry in the capital city on 25th February 2017. Carnaval is celebrated in all the villages and cities all across Goa, but the capital city of Panaji takes the cake! The parade with its floats, entertainers and dancers moves through the major cities. Festivities usually begin around 3 pm and last for about 3 hours. The celebrations culminate with the famous Red and Black Ball which is usually held at the Clube Nacional in Panaji, on the evening of the last day. The float parades are organised in association with the State Tourism Department.
Although this was initially a festival celebrated only Christians, now it’s overwhelming in its multi ethnicity. There’s no bar on caste, creed or colour to join in the celebrations, everyone is welcome. It is a pageantry of sorts that has so many cultures, traditions and styles mixed in perfectly that it is a sight to behold!
Here’s the agenda that is planned for this year’s carnaval-
Saturday, 25th February 2017
Grand Parade at Panjim
Parade commences at the Santa Monica jetty at 3.30 pm, move along the river front on Dayanand Bandodkar Marg and will end at Kala Academy circle.
For those who can’t make it to the Carnival parade, you can join in the fun at the following places;
- Sunday, 26th February 2017,
* Margao at 3.30pm - Monday, 27th February 2017,
* Vasco (South Goa, near the airport) at 3.30 pm
* Curchorem (South Goa) at 3.30 pm
* Shiroda (South Goa) at 3.30 pm - Tuesday, 28th February 2017,
* Mapusa (North Goa) at 3.30 pm
* Ponda (South Goa) at 3.30 pm
This is one of the busiest times in Goa and you will want to be prepared with bookings made in advance or be ready to deal with prices that are sky high. Dance a bit of Samba and serenade yourself in a costume and elaborate masks and come celebrate India’s version of Mardi Gras, the Goan Carnaval!
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