History of Carnival
Goa, the beach capital of India, is synonymous with holidays and vacations. Large number of tourists and travelers not only from India but also from the various parts of the world flock to Goa all the year round. The variety of beautiful beaches, the breathtaking natural beauty, the sparkling turquoise sea, the night parties, the cuisines, the different types of accommodation options, carnivals make Goa an ultimate destination for holidaying. Among other things that make holidaying in Goa a memorable one is the carnival of Goa. The Goa carnival is a perfect grand display of living life to the fullest.
The carnival of Goa is held in the month of February every year, days before the Easter Sunday. The grand festival is held for three days and people from different corners of the world come to be part of crowning glory of Goa. In order to know more about this famous and lively event of the Goan calendar, it is important to have a thorough knowledge of the history of carnival.
Goa Carnival – History
The carnival of Goa dates back to over 500 years, when it was introduced by the Portuguese. During the erstwhile time, the Portuguese who had formed their colony in the state of Goa introduced the carnival concept. Originally the concept of carnival was established by ancient Greece and Rome. Singing, drinking and dancing are the most significant parts of the carnival of Goa. Carnivals are essentially a Christian festival, started as early as the 18th century. This Christian festival which was introduced by the Portuguese people in Goa was soon joined by a large number of Hindus and has crossed all the boundaries since then.
Though during the later years of Portuguese rule, the carnival was in its declining stage, this lively legacy of the people of Portugal is celebrated with pomp and show in the present day. Earlier, the carnival was more rustic as well as rowdy in manner and form. People would throw oranges, eggs, flour, lemons, gloves filled with sands, mud, glue, and dirty water to the passers by. In addition, various kitchen utensils, pots, old pans were also thrown in order to ward off the dirty and the old before the beginning of Lenten Fast. In the present day though much of the earlier rituals are not followed, the spirit and fun of the carnival still prevails.
Goa Carnival – Preparation
The preparation of this three day grand festival begins from late December or from early January. The whole state of Goa takes part in their colorful festival. During the festival, the entire state of Goa is decorated with colorful papers, ribbons and streamers.
Goa Carnival – Events
While the mornings of the carnival are mainly dominated by feasting, singing and street plays, the evenings are adorned with balls and dancing held on the streets. Live bands form an important part of the carnival, deafening music dominates the carnival for three days. Plays, played mostly by men are an important part of the festival. King Momo, who is the ‘King of Chaos’ is chosen for the three days activity.
The carnival of Goa is held in the month of February every year, days before the Easter Sunday. The grand festival is held for three days and people from different corners of the world come to be part of crowning glory of Goa. In order to know more about this famous and lively event of the Goan calendar, it is important to have a thorough knowledge of the history of carnival.
Goa Carnival – History
The carnival of Goa dates back to over 500 years, when it was introduced by the Portuguese. During the erstwhile time, the Portuguese who had formed their colony in the state of Goa introduced the carnival concept. Originally the concept of carnival was established by ancient Greece and Rome. Singing, drinking and dancing are the most significant parts of the carnival of Goa. Carnivals are essentially a Christian festival, started as early as the 18th century. This Christian festival which was introduced by the Portuguese people in Goa was soon joined by a large number of Hindus and has crossed all the boundaries since then.
Though during the later years of Portuguese rule, the carnival was in its declining stage, this lively legacy of the people of Portugal is celebrated with pomp and show in the present day. Earlier, the carnival was more rustic as well as rowdy in manner and form. People would throw oranges, eggs, flour, lemons, gloves filled with sands, mud, glue, and dirty water to the passers by. In addition, various kitchen utensils, pots, old pans were also thrown in order to ward off the dirty and the old before the beginning of Lenten Fast. In the present day though much of the earlier rituals are not followed, the spirit and fun of the carnival still prevails.
Goa Carnival – Preparation
The preparation of this three day grand festival begins from late December or from early January. The whole state of Goa takes part in their colorful festival. During the festival, the entire state of Goa is decorated with colorful papers, ribbons and streamers.
Goa Carnival – Events
While the mornings of the carnival are mainly dominated by feasting, singing and street plays, the evenings are adorned with balls and dancing held on the streets. Live bands form an important part of the carnival, deafening music dominates the carnival for three days. Plays, played mostly by men are an important part of the festival. King Momo, who is the ‘King of Chaos’ is chosen for the three days activity.