PANJIM: After Carnival, it’s time for Shigmo. The annual event will begin on March 14 with the first float parade at Ponda. Tourism Department has assured to begin the float parade in time considering that the delay last year caused inconvenience to people.
Covering various rural areas and spanning over a fortnight, the float parade will reach Panjim on March 18 and conclude in Pernem and Sanquelim on March 27.
“This year, steps are being initiated to ensure that the Shigmo parade in the capital city begins on time. It is proposed to start the parade at 4:30 pm sharp so that the parade does not drag on till midnight and does not cause congestion and disturbance. It is also proposed to have negative marking incase of wide gaps between floats. It is proposed that the gap should not be more than 20 metres between each tableaux or dance troupes,” a statement released by Tourism Department said.
All the Shigmo parade committees have been directed to discuss and finalise the Shigmo parade routes in their respective areas in consultation with the district magistrates and the police.
The Department expects thousands of tourists to witness the spectacular Shigmo parades – known for demonstrating the essence of Goa’s favorite spring festival on the streets. The Shigmo parade schedule is as follows:
Ponda March 14, Vasco March 15, Valpoi March 16,
Bicholim March 17, Panjim March 18, Margao March 19, CurchoremMarch 20, Dharbandora March 21, Quepem March 22, Cuncolim March 23, Sanguem and Shiroda March 24, Canacona and Tivim March 25,
Mapusa March 26, Pernem and Sanquelim March 27.
