- Goa Adventure Activities
- Unexplored Places in Goa
- Offbeat Places to Visit in South Goa
- Things to Do in South Goa
- Fun Things to Do in Goa
- Best Kayaking in South Goa
- Famous Forts in Goa
- Water Sports in South Goa
- Must Visit Places in South Goa
- Fishing in Goa
- Bachelorette Party in Goa
- Holi Parties in Goa
- Couple Activities in Goa
- White Sand Beach in Goa
- Soulful Sojourn: 4-Day South Goa Itinerary
- North Goa vs South Goa
- The Essential Goa Packing List
- Experience the Wildlife in Goa
- Beautiful Beaches in Goa
- Goa Beyond Beaches
- Blissful Goa Wellness Retreat
- Things to Do in Goa in Summer
- Off-season in Goa
- Romantic Places in Goa
- Celebrating Holi in Goa
- Experience an Exciting Nightlife in Goa
- Celebrate Your Valentine's Day in Goa
- Goa Carnival 2023
- Team Outing in Goa
- Luxurious Villas in South Goa for a Vacation
- The Best Time to Visit South Goa
- A Dynamic New Year Celebration in Goa
- Best Beaches for Foreigners in Goa
- Local Food of Goa
- Monsoon in Goa
- Villas in South Goa
- The Festive Season in Goa
- Planning a Family Holiday in Goa
- Corporate Conferences in Goa
- Goan Festivals Celebrated in January
- Destination Weddings in South Goa
- The Best Sunset Beaches in South Goa
- Winter in Goa
- Celebrations in Goa
Goa Carnival 2023
Every year the party capital of India, Goa, holds the inviting Goa Carnival Festival. This festival is a 4-day event and is celebrated throughout the state with immense passion and desire. Goa Carnival 2023 will be held from the 25th to the 28th of February, before the start of Lent, the season of abstinence before Easter. With the different festivities available here, you would not want to miss this festival at any cost.
History
Goa Carnival is based on the Catholic tradition of Mardi Gras. The source of this festival dates back to when the Portuguese colonised Goa, and this celebration became obscure due to Estado Novo (celebrated on the same day as the carnival). Timoteo Fernandes, a Goan musician, in the year 1965, modelled the current festivities after the Rio Carnival to attract tourists and ensure the Goan tradition and culture remained intact.
Parade
The parade starts on the 25th of February (also known as Fat Saturday), with an actor chosen for the role of King Momo. King Momo is considered the king of carnivals in Spanish and Latin American festivities, and his arrival signifies the start of the fiesta. You can see horse-drawn carriages, floats with busts, and decorated bullock carts during the procession. The highlight of the carnival is the parade and people in elaborate and flashy costumes. It is truly a sight to behold for the colours and the festivities.
Join in the Celebrations
The Carnival Festival in Goa is celebrated in 4 towns across Goa - Panaji, Vasco Da Gama, Mapusa and Margo.
Panaji -The celebration happens in and around Maruti Temple, Reis Magos Fort, Fontainhas, Vainguinim Beach, and Goa State Museum.
Vasco Da Gama - The festivities are convened in and around the Japanese Garden, St. Andrew's Church, Mormugao Fort, and Monkey Beach.
Mapusa - Join in the celebrations in and around Milagres Church, Shree Ganesh Temple, St. Jerome Church, and Shri Dev Bodgeshwar Sansthan.
Margo - Witness the festivities at Our Lady of Grace Church, Colva Beach Road, Sat Burzam Ghor, Municipal Garden, Holy Spirit Church, Goa Chitra Museum, and Shree Damodar Temple.
Things to do at the Carnival
If you are an art lover, then you will enjoy the canvasses showcased by local artists at this carnival. You can also head to the masquerade ball if you’re in the mood to party, wearing a unique mask. Also, do not miss the Red and Black dance, where the dress-up theme is black and red - men tend to wear red shirts and black pants and, women wear red and black dresses and dance to live music being played.
Food and Drinks
King Momo says, “Kha, Piye, Maja Kar,” translating to eat, drink and make merry. This sentence is the epitome of the carnival! Do not miss the delectable flavours of Goan cuisine, mainly consisting of seafood and meat. Be sure to try the local drink called Feni, this drink has two variations, one is made from cashew and another is made from coconut, each having its unique flavour. Do note that Feni contains 75% alcohol.
When you’re in town to see the Goa Carnival 2023, Caravela Beach Resort is the ideal place to stay. You’ll be able to visit Margao, the closest town to witness the Goa Carnival. Caravela offers 8 types of rooms, suites and villas and has 7 dining options to choose from, including a seaside restaurant. Refinement meets luxury at Caravela Beach Resort, and staying here will make your vacation memorable!