Event: Goa Carnival .
Date: 13th, 14th, 15th & 16th February 2010
Venue: Panjim, Margao, Vasco & Mapusa
Goa Carnival is one of the most awaited festivals of Goa, which is celebrated here since the 18th century where the entire state plunges into joy-making for 4 whole days. The carnival symbolizes the fun-loving culture that is characteristic of Goa. The carnival is an integral part of the Portuguese heritage of the state, which was a dominion of Portugal till 1961.
The word carnival is believed to be derived from the Latin words 'Carne' (meat) and 'Vale' (good bye), meaning 'to take away meat where people stay away from meat during the 40-day period of fasting of Lent that follows it. The Goa carnival, a 4-day fest, had its birth in Goa during the era of King Momo. He ushered in the Goa carnival just before the Lent season, a season of fasting and penance amongst Christians. Although this festival was primarily celebrated by Christians, it has also absorbed Hindu tradition.
The parade is marked by the tableau carrying Legendary King Momo accompanied along with his queen and dancing belles wherein the King reads a decree proclaiming his rule for next 4 days, appealing to the public to eat, drink and make merry during the festival period.
During carnival parade there is a riot of colors on the street when the procession comes in its true form, all geared up with sparkling floats and troupes of masked revelers. The parade also included a large number of tableau based on the themes like Goa as well as environmental and social concerns. As a part of carnival festival it is also celebrated in interior locations of Goa in a more traditional way like having one act plays, tiatr, khell, etc to continue lighting the mood of carnival. Though it started as a celebration enjoyed only by the local population, it has today crossed the state frontiers and attracts thousands of people from all over the world.
The parade would be held in major cities from 4.00 pm to 7.00pm as follows:
13th Feb 2010: Panjim
14th Feb 2010: Margao
15th Feb 2010: Vasco
16th Feb 2010: Mapusa
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