Fascinating Tours

Carnival in Goa is a much-awaited festival in Goa equally by both the locals as well as the tourists. Come February and the entire Goa is in mood to party, as it is the period of the Carnival. The word 'Carnival' has its origin in the Portuguese word 'Carnaval', which means 'to take away meat'. It is the beginning of the period of 40 days of fasting of Lent during which abstention from meat is compulsory.


Carnival in Goa is a three-day festival introduced by the Portuguese in the 18th century and celebrated mainly by the Christians. But in the course of time, it underwent certain modifications and assimilated some of the Hindu traditions. It s no longer celebrated only by the Christians but also by the people of other religion. In fact, people from all over the country as well as the world visit Goa especially during this period in order to take active participation in the carnival.


The carnival in Goa is held in the month of February. Legendry king Momo ushered in the carnival in Goa during his era just before the Lent. It generally begins on Sabado Gordo, i.e., Fat Saturday and concludes on Shrove Tuesday, i.e., Fat Tuesday. The streets become alive, peppy and oozing with energy. It is the time for dance, songs, music and fun while dressed up in various hues of color.


Carnival in Goa is the time where you can feast, drinks and make merry before the beginning of the 40 days of Lent. Large processions are carried out all over the state with live performances given by bands dancers, singers and musicians all night long on the streets of Goa. Grand balls are organized in the evenings. The carnival in Goa ends with the famous Red-and-Black Dance held by the Clube National in Panjim on the last day of the carnival.


The preparations for carnival in Goa begins from late December or early January. Several short plays consisting of song, music and dance related to the history or mythology of the region are composed and rehearsed several times to be enacted during the carnival. Only men participate in these plays and perform the roles of women. The colorful costumes and beautiful headgears catch your attention.