Goa Carnival in India

Symbolic to its name, the Goa Carnival is uninhibited revelry full of festive feasting, music and dance. The carnival is held in February for three days and nights, when the legendary King Momo is believed to take over the state and the streets come alive with music and color. This weeklong event has been celebrated since the 18th Century.

Goa Carnival is a wonderful tradition of the Portuguese that remains even to this day. For over five hundred years, the festival has enthralled the people of Goa as well as international tourists. Although the carnival is traditionally that festival of the Christians, people from all walks of life participate in the celebration. You will find a combination of traditional revelry, western dance forms and pageantry.

Held for three days and nights in the month of February, the revelry continues and it attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Celebration reaches such heights that it appears King Momo has taken over the streets. The celebration has a special significance. The three day celebration heralds the 40 days of austerity called Lent. Parades are organized on a grand scale with bands, dances and floats. People dance their through out the night. The celebration concludes with the famous dance of the red and black held at Clube National in Panjim.

The origin of the carnival can be traced back to the hedonistic feasts of ancient Rome and Greece. In places where Spain and Portugal set up their colonies, the culture of carnival gained popularity. Originally, the carnival was presided over by King Momo. Today, however, the symbolical representation of King Momo still rules over the customary celebration. The word "carnival" means "to take away meat". Before the 40 days of abstinence from meat, people enjoy for three days and nights to their hearts' content.

The Goa Carnival has become a center of tourist attraction. In the month of February, millions of tourists, both international and domestic, descend on Goa to see the beautiful pageantry and enjoy the Carnival no holds barred parties.