Goa boasts a rich tradition of celebrations, prominently showcased during its numerous festivals, with the Goa Carnival being one of the highlights. This vibrant three-day festival, which commenced on March 1, fosters the spirit of "Viva La Goa" in the sunshine state. Celebrated since the 18th century, the Carnival marks a time of revellery and feasting that leads up to the 40 days of Lent. The heart of the celebration is a colourful parade featuring dazzling floats that begins in Panjim and continues to cities like Vasco, Madgaon, and Mapusa on subsequent days.
For the three days leading up to Lent, a 40-day period of prayer and fasting observed by Catholics, the entire state of Goa is engulfed in the whirlwind of Carnival. This vibrant festival features an abundance of music, delicious food and drinks, art and craft exhibitions, and lively masquerade balls. During these festivities, masked revellers take to the streets, indulging in eating, drinking, dancing, and numerous other fun activities.
The carnival, a vibrant tapestry woven from the rich history of Portuguese settlers, is a celebration that unites all communities in Goa, embodying a spirit of inclusivity and joy. King Momo and his consort, selected from a pool of participants, preside over the Goa Carnival. His float is accompanied by musicians, dancers, acrobats, and clowns. The crowd erupts in jubilation when he officially declares the Carnival open, joyfully shouting the popular slogan, "Kha, Piye, Ani Maja Kar," ("eat, drink, and be merry.")
During the festival, the streets of Goa come alive with exuberant parades, spectacular floats, and lively street parties, immersing visitors in a whirlwind of excitement. One of the festival's crown jewels is the renowned Red and Black Ball, typically held at Clube Nacional in Panjim, where revellers dance the night away.
The Carnival will be followed by the Shigmo Festival, a grand 15-day celebration of Goa's vibrant folk traditions, which will take place from March 15 to March 29, 2025. This festival features colourful float parades organised across 19 centres. Also known as Shigmotsav, this two-week arts and culture festival is held annually at the start of spring. For 14 consecutive days, from March 8 to March 21, Goa will showcase an incredible fusion of the festivals of Holi and the Goa Carnival. During the festival, attendees can enjoy traditional folk music, dances, and extravagant parades filled with captivating tableaus.
