MARGAO: Canacona for the first time witnessed carnival celebrations in the town including a float parade organized by Palolem United Trust that was held on Palolem ward of the town.
While on the first two days of carnival the traditional intruz with people wearing attired in costumes went around the town playing traditional instruments and dancing to their beats, on the last day, a float parade was held at Palolem that commenced from Palolem Youth Club.
The parade was led by King Momo who was Simon Rebello, the president of Palolem United Trust, and his entourage in the vehicle was followed by local people representing the traditional occupations of Goa like bakers, farmers, toddy tappers, fisherman and fish monger dancing to the foot tapping Goan and Portuguese music. A huge hollo (traditional Goan sweet) was also prepared with jackfruit leaves.
The float parade was followed by a truly entertaining programme that included a fancy dress competition for children where a large number of local children participated. Besides, there was a fashion show for married women who proved that glamour and being fashionable does not end with marriage.
Local artisans joined the local people to present some of the folk dances of Goa which are so very popular and keep the tourists at Palolem, specially the foreigners entertained during their stay at Canacona.
The carnival programme was a huge success as a large crowd, mostly international tourists numbering about 2000, lined the street to witness it. The entire expenditure for the float parade was borne by the locals and hence there was no finance or help from any government agency or politicians.
The Palolem United Trust that has been trying to keep the old traditions alive in Canacona and had earlier organized programmes to celebrate San Joao in the month of June, encouraged by the response to the carnival programme plans to organize it again next year at a larger scale making it for the whole taluka.