The city of Panjim will come alive later this month in the
spirit of Carnival and don a colourful look as citizens come together to
celebrate Panjim City Carnaval – a four day extravaganza between Febriary 26
and March 1,2022.
Agnelo Fernandes, Commissioner of the City
of Panaji said the Corporation of the City of Panaji had planned a series of
events across the city along with industry stakeholders, citizens and community
champions. Like previous years, this year too citizens, establishments and the
city authority will join forces to celebrate and revive the nostalgia of the
years gone. He said “The float parade will kick off at 3.00pm and will have
several categories including Traditional, Club and Institutions, Family, Junk
and Jokers”, he added.
The centrally located Jardin Garcia de
Orta will transform into the Samba Square during the four day celebration so
that people can come together and celebrate the festivities in true Samba
style. This year the city has added other venues – the newly renovated walkway
along the Miramar beach and other venues around the city. In addition, cycle
tours and walking trails will be held in the city.
Vincent Ramos, Area Director, Taj Group of
Hotels said “The Food and Beverage trade community has come together to
support the city authorities in the efforts. Hotels, restaurants and culinary
hotspots across the city have planned to bring the flavour of carnaval into
their establishments by curating special carnival themes menus and decor to
celebrate the efforts of the city. We at the Taj are going to be putting in all
efforts to offer a wonderful experience to residents and visitors. We are also
going to be bringing in a food truck all the way from Mumbai to be part of the
Carnaval culinary extravaganza.”
“A culinary extravaganza with a host of food stalls and
culinary pop-ups has also been planned at Samba Square and Miramar beach front.
A dedicated zone is being created for local culinary entrepreneurs or
‘foodpreneurs’ in an effort by the city to encourage them and offer the
foodpreneurs a platform to showcase their creations,” said Prahlad
Sukhatankar, restaurateur and owner of Black Market Goa.
This year Samba Square will see a pop-up bazaar as colourful and
quirky as the Carnaval itself featuring products by talented entrepreneurs from
the state. The organizers hope to have Bollywood stars attending the events.
All the venues will feature acts and performances by a host of
musicians from across age groups. From konkani language artists to local bands
and khel tiatrs to stand up comedians, the venues will be buzzing with music
and dance through the event.
Bookworm has planned a host of activities for children of all
age groups at the Samba Square. Activities include art workshops, craft
sessions, creative games and more. A stray dog adoption zone is also planned
where interested individuals can come in to adopt a furry stray and give it a
home.
The four day extravaganza will include a vintage car rally, a
mobile alvorada winding down the streets, culinary food and heritage trails,
pop-up eateries, music and dance.
The
traditional Red & Black street dance which is generally held on the last
day of the carnaval celebration will be held on March 1, 2022. The organizers
have received Rs 20 lakhs to organize it and the rest of the monies will come
from sponsorship deals. The vintage cars at the rally will be escorted by
Harley Davidson motorcycles. It can be said without a doubt that the Goa
Carnival is the most unique festival in the culturally vibrant and rich state
of Goa.
