PANJIM: Revenue Minister and Panjim MLA Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate on Friday said that one cannot have Carnival (floats parade) at 10 locations, in the context of not granting permission to hold the Sao Tome and Fontainhas Carnival.
While admitting that the present Carnival celebrations had become commercial and the need to revive traditional Carnival, in the same breath Monserrate claimed that Samba Square at Panjim is the heart of the Carnival.
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The carnival has become commercial. Sponsors today advertise their products and it’s not about the traditional carnival, says the Panjim MLA Monseratte.
But almost in the same breath, he said, “The Samba square is the main carnival. It is the heart of the carnival.” Monserrate told reporters while inspecting the preparations for the carnival parade on February 18.
Reacting to the ongoing controversy over the denial of permission to organize a “People’s Carnival’ in the Sao Tome and Fontainhas areas, Monserrate said that the CCP had requested authorities to issue necessary permissions to the organisers.
“But the PWD stated it was not possible due to ongoing works, which has to be completed before the scheduled G20 Summit,” Monserrate said.
Ahead of the carnival floats parade in Panjim, Monserrate inspected the parade route and also saw the ongoing preparations. “I just came here to see whether the CCP is doing a proper job. It was a final inspection. It looks like they have done a good job,” he said.
