PANJIM: Even as arrivals during the tourism season have been overwhelming, Tourism Minister Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar on Thursday claimed that a large section of tourists plan their holidays so as to participate in the annual Carnival and Shigmo festivities in the State.
“It (Carnival and Shigmo) is famous all over the country. People take holidays and come to Goa especially for Carnival and Shigmo,” he said.
As per the schedule, drawn by the tourism authorities, the Shigmo parades would begin on March 3 with the parade in Ponda. Thereafter the parades would be held at Margao on March 4, Vasco on March 5, Sanguem on March 6, Sanquelim on March 7, Valpoi on March 8, Bicholim on March 9, Panjim on March 10, Mapusa on March 11, Pernem on March 12, Canacona on March 13, Quepem on March 14, Curchorem on March 15, Cuncolim on March 16 and Dharbandora on March 17.
Tourism Department has also approved prize money to the tune of Rs 69.50 lakh across all 15 places where the float parades will be held.
