For the very first time in the Bay Area in California, the Goan community experienced a day full of colourful fun, rich traditions, authentic Goan food, music and entertainment at the Goan Carnaval 2023. Conceptualised and hosted by Francis and Lydia Fernandes and Anthony Cardozo and assisted by many Californian Goans, the event kicked off with the parade of King Momo Randolfo Dias and his queen Remiza Dias accompanied by kids dressed up in fancy costumes and exquisitely dressed feather girls Roshelle Dias and Kreislyn Silveira. The Carnival song for the parade was sung by Anthony Cardozo. King Momo proclaimed his decree of three days of eating, drinking and merriment.
Kids attending the Carnaval event indulged in various activities including magic & puppet show, face painting, animal balloon characters, and a selfie photo booth. The Carnaval float competition which highlighted and depicted the dying professions of Goa, the diversion of Mhadei river, FC Goa, Goan Fishing boat, Butterfly Beach, Tiatr announcement pickup truck, Save our rivers, Goan Susegad life etc. The Carnaval received 11 entries in the individual and group categories. Three prizes were awarded in category besides prizes for best dance moves and best Prince and Princess (kids).
Attendees were treated to a scrumptious authentic Goan lunch buffet which included dishes like pork solantulem, dry fish mol, sungttam bhenddeachi koddi ani xit, choris pao, fish fry, toranchem miskutt etc.
The highlight of the event was the performance of a Zomnivelo Khell ‘Modern Khell’ written and directed by Aleixo de Nuvem supported by a talented cast of Anunsya Pereira, Frenzyto D’Sa, Robert Ataide, Glaston Martins, Maria Rodrigues, Ana Rodrigues, Ember Pereira, Lafio Fernandes, Lafica Fernandes, John Azavedo and Francis Fernandes. Mackson Rebello and Savio Rodrigues sang songs and Randolfo Dias provided music for the Khell Tiatr.
DJs Frenzyto D’Sa and Roy Rebello had the crowd dancing away to Goan tunes and medleys. It certainly was the first and a one of a kind celebration for the Goan diaspora living in the California Bay Area as it brought back nostalgic memories of celebrating Carnaval in Goa.
