A Quick Guide to
the Goa Carnival
Hammocks, sun, shades, sunburns,
shores and seafood; Goa is much more than these exciting stuffs. You must have
heard about the Carnival. Let's take a walk-through into the best Goan festival
- the Goa Carnival.
Held every year in February, the
four day celebration comprises of music, dance, theatrical performances and
several other forms of entertainment, inviting frequent flights to Goa from the
UK. We have summarised a guide to the Goan Carnival, so that when you visit
next, you know where to stay and how to make the most of it.
The Background of
the Festival
The Goa that you see today, was once
under Portuguese command, an inhabited Christian country. Hence, the Goan
Carnival came out of a customary annual festival just before the Lent period
(March to April). Lent, as we all know, is a time when people renounce gaiety
and luxuries. So people would have a good time just before Lent, hence, those
happy moments came to be known as the Carnival, almost 500 years ago.
Since then, the celebrations have
grown to be world famous and featured extravagant jubilee full of posh and
pomp. Over the years, the amalgam of Portuguese and Goan celebrations have
influenced the Goa Carnival to be what you see today.
The events begin with party
preparations right from December. The entire state of Goa is endowed with a
powerful enthusiasm for these celebrations. If you happen to be in Goa in
January, you will find the entire state decorated brilliantly. Be it trees,
buildings, lamp-posts or statues, every inch and corner is drenched with
glitters. If you're curious to be in the fest, book tickets to Goa in advance
to avoid last minute hassles and disappointments.
What's Beyond the
Parties?
The carnival celebrations go beyond
the normal parties and dancing. Beginning from the last week of February, the
Carnival is a 3-day fun-filled event. Artists and performers swarm in to
perform the crowd. There are theatrical performances, fire walkers, fire
eaters, acrobats, musical bands, food and more. Grab cheap flights to Goa much
in advance and gather memories in this bewitching coastal state of India.
The food, no doubt, is the best part
as there's so much to sample and savour. The fact is, the festival starts with
food and ends with food. Another main attraction of the Carnival is the Red
& Black Dance, where the participants are all dressed in red and black, and
they look wildly wonderful. All you have to do is dance around with your
partner or friends.
Most of the fiesta takes place
around the capital city of Panjim, not leaving Mapusa, Vasco da Gama and Margao
behind. The events are ticket-free, so just mix in and enjoy the times like an
ardent party animal. The carnival goes through the enchanting alleys and lanes.
If you wish to delve into the vivid and electrifying Goan culture, book flights
to Goa and head towards the paradise.
So, what can one
expect from the Carnival?
·
Colourful
bejewelled float parades
·
Sports
contests
·
Authentic
Goan seafood and a lot of Feni
·
Fashion
Shows & DJ Nights
As you book cheap tickets to Goa,
the first and the foremost thing we need to comprehend, that this is not a rave
party or a beach prom or fete. When you think of a Carnival, you can imagine
anything and everything. You get to meet people from every culture, of every
age and tongue. There's no entry fee, but yes, you just have to pay INR 100 in
order to take part in the Red & Black Dance.
Get on board a cruise organised by
Champions Yacht Club and explore boat parties, carnival water bash, relish
scrumptious cuisines and win exciting offers and gifts.
Some tips for the
party:
·
It’s
the peak time period, and all the hotels, guesthouses, and resorts will be
packed and prices will shoot up to new highs, so book your accommodation as
well as flights in advance.
·
The
streets of Goa are usually flooded with people and floats, so if you wish to
hit a specific destination during the carnival, you will have to talk to your
hotel staff.
·
Keep
your valuables safely. Chances of losing things are high.