Goa Carnival dates for the year 2012

Furnished  2 bedroom hall kitchen flats on daily rent in Candolim Goa.Click on  picture to enlarge.

Goa Carnival When: 18th - 21th February 2012 Where: Goa In the days when  Goa was ruled lock, stock and barrel by the Portuguese, the tradition of an annual festival- held four days before the start of Lent- began. It started as a bit of a farce, where the white colonial rulers pretended to be 'black' slaves, and the slaves, mostly from Mozambique, plastered their faces with flour and took on the role of the masters. The local Konkanis watched in amusement- as they still do, to some extent, whenever a feni-befuddled tourist tries joining in the fun.

Goa Carnival History The carnival celebrations date back to almost 500 years when Goa was a colony of the Portuguese. Incidentally the culture of riotous celebrations were initially popular in ancient Rome and Greece, that later became famous in Spain and Portugal as well. Hence when Goa was colonised by the Portuguese, they introduced the carnival to Goa. In those days the carnival had a very Portuguese essence, and though there are traces of Portuguese in current celebrations, the carnival today is more Goan in flavour and is one of the most important events with the entire state of Goa being decked up with colourful streamers and ribbons.

Goa Carnival Celebrations Goa Carnival is the most awaited event in Goa, preparations for which start from December itself. Other than music, dance and other entertainment, the carnival also features short plays depicting the tradition and culture of Goa in a unique way. Pre-Lent carnivals are a time for fun and Goa's carnival is revelry all the way. It's the last big bash before the season of Lent starts, and this is when Goa parties for three days, non-stop. The Carnival, true to form, is a time for unrestrained merrymaking, with dancing, processions, music and unlimited food being part and parcel of the festivities. Momo, the legendary King of Chaos leads his entourage of fire- eaters, acrobats, clowns, jesters, dancers, brass bands and revellers in parade down the main street of Panaji, Goa. King Momo commands his people to 'kha, piye and majja kar' - eat, drink and make merry and so be it!

Goa Carnival Tickets Since Goa Carnival is an open event and everybody is invited to join in the fun and frolic of the carnival there are no tickets for it. So just pack your bags and get ready to have a great time at the carnival.