The Goa Carnaval, Food and Cultural Festival, a five day extravaganza to showcase the diverse and rich heritage of Goa, will take place from 8th to 12th February 2013.
Goa Carnavals have been a famous event of Goa for a long time, with glittering float parades held in the four cities of Panaji, Vasco, Margao and Mapusa. However, this is the first time the Goa Tourism has decided to include a Food and Cultural Festival to be held at the NIWS Ground, Panaji. This event will offer the visitors a chance to experience the cuisine and culture of Goa, with a blend of fine dining, music, fashion shows and entertainment.
The festival is a heaven for music lovers. For five days, famous musical groups from all over India like Parikrama and Indian Ocean will come down to Goa to perform. To top it up, music lovers will get a taste of the heady Goan music by local bands at Panji as well as Colva and Mapusa.
Fashion Shows will be a new addition to the carnaval this year. A glittering fashion show by famous designer Wendell Rodricks is one of the highlights of this event.
In addition to food, music and glamour, there will be many interesting competitions to engage and entertain the guests. There will be a fete, several cooking and eating competitions and even a King Momo Contest! The winner of the King Momo contest will get an opportunity to be the King of the Float Parade.
While the elders have all the fun, the kids are not to be disappointed. There will be several competitions for the kids as well to provide them their slice of entertainment.
The crowning events of these all, will be the Float Parades. Held in the four major cities of Goa, the Carnaval Float Parades have been famous for their glamour and flamboyance. The parades start in Panaji on the Fat Tuesday with the King Momo reading the decree which entitles him to rule for three days and permits everyone to have fun. The float parade winds through the lanes of Panaji with King Momo’s entourage leading it. This gala event is marked by dancers in colorful masks, music and lots of fun. Miss it at your own peril !
How to Reach ?
Goa is connected to major cities of India by road, rail and air. One can reach Goa from Mumbai or Pune by road or rail. Alternatively one can also come from Bangalore.
Panaji is an international airport and is connected to many cities of the World. Air tickets to India can be booked online; one can try Air India ticket booking or can also look for other low cost airlines.
Important Notes:
Grand Opening: 9th February 2013, 3:30 PM onwards
Venue: Dayanand Badookar Marg, Near Old Secretariat, Panaji.
Float Parades
Panaji: 9th Feb 2013
Vasco: 10th Feb 2013
Margao: 11th Feb 2013
Mapusa: 12th Feb 2013
Food and Cultural Festival: 8th to 12th February 2013
Venue: NIWS Ground, Caranzalem
Image Courtesy: Hindustan Times