A yearlong wait and months of preparation bring forth a colourful beginning to Goa Carnival – 2023!
The uniqueness of the Goan carnival is the fact that this Catholic festival which originated during the Portuguese occupation of Goa has now been embraced by every Goan transcending religious barriers and has become a showcase of the multicultural society of Goa.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
King Momo’s reign of grand merriment fills Goa with the motto of “Kha, Piye Aani Mozzaa Kor” {Eat, Drink & Make Merry} which is the USP of these colourful celebrations preceding piety & prayers of the Catholic Lent.
The modern version of our carnival festivities owes credit to Goa’s famous musician Timoteo Fernandes, who way back in 1965 took inspiration from the Brazilian Rio carnival and pivoted the Goan carnival into a grand tourist attraction. The concept of King Momo was incorporated in 1967 with Timoteo Fernandes being anointed the First King Momo of Goan carnival.
Even with all the commercialisation and increasing proportionality of the festivities, we have proudly maintained the traditional facet of carnival from the days of yore. Deeply linked to traditions, the festivities still begin as per the Catholic Calendar on ‘Sabado Gordo’ or Fat Saturday, which this year falls on February 18, and culminates on Shrove Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday & the Lent season. The simplicity of merriments is most evident in our villages where “Intruz” or “carnaval” as its locally called is celebrated in the traditional manner observing “assoltes” wherein everyone masquerades in colourful attire and masks, visiting houses and playing merry pranks. Once the real identity of the merry makers is revealed by the hosts, there follows a round of sweetmeats and drinks adding spirit to the fun-n-frolic. Street plays and sports competitions also form part of carnival celebrations.
With Goa’s Tourism Department playing a major role in promoting carnival celebrations the festivities have achieved a universal significance as the event now features prominently in the global tourism circuit. Revellers from around the world in colourful attire and masks dance to popular musical tunes on the streets of Panjim, Mapusa, Margao and Vasco accompanied by awesomely designed tableaus depicting cultural, social and environmental themes.
This year, Goa Tourism Department has ambitiously projected the colourful festivities on land, water & air taking the celebrations beyond the streets of Panjim with colourful flotillas in the River Mandovi and helicopter displays in the clear blue skies.
Viva Carnaval!
(The writer is Goa’s Tourism Minister)
