Dolcy D’Cruz
A resident of Aquem Alto, Margao, Cedric da Costa emerged victorious over six participants to claim the title of King Momo 2026. This year’s festivities kick off Friday evening in Porvorim with a unique “no-moto” parade, where King Momo will walk alongside the crowd, no motorized vehicles, carriages, or floats, celebrating Carnival in its most inclusive and traditional form. The official f loats will then continue the celebrations in Panjim and other cities. DESIGNING THE KING MOMO COSTUME The moment Cedric was selected as King Momo, he wanted a costume that honoured tradition while adding a creative layer. “I contacted my friend Verma D’Mello, a designer whose works have even been showcased at Cannes. I had a concept in mind and I insisted on incorporating the Ghumot and also highlighting the Kunbi Kapod, a fabric she has pioneered and revived.” The design process was intensive. The Kunbi Kapod is included along the borders and sleeves to highlight Goan heritage. THE EMBLEM ON THE SCEPTRE Cedric chose a very unique emblem on the sceptre. He explains the inspiration behind the emblem on his King Momo sceptre, the Galo, or rooster, “The rooster, or Galo, is a traditional motif that used to adorn the gates and houses of old Portuguese homes in Goa. Today, it’s being reworked by local craftsmen, and I wanted to pay tribute to their work.” The Galo also symbolizes vibrancy. “Back then, nearly every household reared hens, and the rooster displayed striking colors. Its vibrancy inspired the colors in my Carnival costume and overall approach,” Cedric explains. AN INCLUSIVE VISION FOR CARNIVAL Cedric has focused on making Carnival truly inclusive. “I’ve reached out to different communities, the music community, footballers, cricketers, aspiring actors, composers, and lyricists, to give them visibility and a platform,” he says. Cedric has personally written to the Goa Football Association and Goa Cricket Association, highlighting Goa’s rich sporting culture and connecting it to Carnival. He has also collaborated with Purple Fest organizers to showcase talents, including people with different abilities. “A few years ago, we made a fishing contest inclusive for participants in wheelchairs, and their participation was truly touching. Carnival should celebrate everyone,” he says. “Every float, every performance should reflect diversity. As King Momo of the people, I want this festival to include everyone, young, old, differently-abled, artists, musicians, so that Carnival remains vibrant, participative, and a true celebration of Goa’s culture and community,” Cedric adds. INSPIRATION BEHIND BECOMING KING MOMO Cedric’s journey to becoming King Momo was unexpected. “Two years ago, I was coordinating the KNOW YOUR KING MOMO – GOA CARNIVAL 2026 Cedric da Costa, an alumnus of Loyola High School, Margao, pursued Business Management at Damodar College, where he served as Chairman and General Secretary of the Students Council. A sports enthusiast, he played football at the inter-college level and cricket for Lloyds TSB Bank PLC in the UAE, including matches at Sharjah and tours to the UK and Netherlands. He has also made his mark as a dynamic cricket and football commentator, featuring in the National Games football commentary box for DD Sports, and as a long-serving Sports Roundup newsreader at AIR Mahadei Channel, Panjim. An ardent agriculturist and environmental visionary, Cedric founded My Green Ambition, Goa in 2020. He is an avid reader, photographer, and traveller. Additionally, he is an emcee, events coordinator, public speaker, and Toastmaster, passionately working towards children and youth upliftment. King Momo floats with my close friend Roussel de Miranda, who brings big international acts to Goa like Bellamy Brothers and Vengaboys. After one Panjim float, he jokingly said, ‘Why don’t you go for the selection next year?’ But he kept pestering me, and then my friend Alexandre Moniz Barbosa, ex editor of Herald, did the same, saying I had the best personality for it. Being an emcee and a journalist, I’ve always led crowds, guided people, and stood out in front. That experience gave me confidence that I could do justice to King Momo,” Cedric explains. He also drew inspiration from friends who had held the title before, like Shalom Sardinha, Cleeven Fernandes, Timoteo Fernandes and Tome Fernandes. MESSAGE FOR GOANS AS KING MOMO As King Momo, Cedric has a clear message for Goans, “Amchem Goem, Amco Lok, Amcho Carnival. Viva Goa, Viva Carnival!” he declares. He has requested Goan musicians, composers, youth, and even school children to create a new Carnival anthem. “I come from a land of Chris Perry and Lorna. Goa has always had great music, lyricists, and tiatr. Now, I want a fresh anthem that will last beyond this Carnival, celebrating our culture and talent,” he explains. FUTURE OF CARNIVAL Carnival is evolving but staying true to its vibrant roots. He says, “There are now strict guidelines for float participation. Nuisance and nonsense are being tackled, and that’s a good thing. I tell f loat makers, use eco-friendly materials. Don’t use excessive plastic. And I request people to clear their garbage responsibly. Carnival should be clean and sustainable.” Looking ahead, Cedric wants more youth involvement. He says, “We need young people to participate and create floats. Those who have the resources can support those who have the passion but not the finances. That’s how we revive the spirit. Even Goans abroad, in the UK, Dubai, Australia, are keeping the spirit alive. Last Sunday, there was the Dubai Goans Konkani Carnival, promoting music, food, and culture. Carnival is in our hearts. It’s cross cultural, vibrant, and growing, not just in Goa, but everywhere Goans go.”
