About Goa carnival
The 'Carnival' is exclusive and unique to Goa, and was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled over Goa for over five hundred years. These carnivals started in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, and gradually became known for their singing, dancing and drinking. Goa carnival was introduced by its erstwhile rulers. It reinforced the fun loving culture of Goa. A king of chaos called "Momo" is chosen and he presides over the three day activity.It is a three-day fest full of color and gaiety. Folks in Goa are into the preparations from weeks ahead and keenly await this marvelous carnival of fun and frolic. In the villages, the playwrights pieced together in Khel (Konkani for play) anecdotes, events and criticism. Huge parades are organized throughout the state with bands, dances and floats out all night on the streets, and grand balls held in the evenings. The carnival concludes with the famous red-and-black dance held by the Club National in Panajim on the final day. Fireworks, fortune tellers, children forming their own musical orchestra by banging on anything they find (from tins to drums), elder ones in funny costumes, these are just few scenes you will spot. The main highlight of Goan carnival is to have fun by indulging in singing, dancing, feasting, etc.. before the 40 day abstinence period of Lent before Easter. Just before Easter Sunday, all Goans celebrate the carnival as a feasting and merry making time. The carnival is absolutely colorful and lively and the whole of Goa comes alive with this festival. From dawn to dusk and back to dawn again, they sang and danced, changed costumes and partners and serenaded their namorados, girlfriends, escorted by their guardians, the debutantes giggled and grouped their first masqued ball.