Goa Carnival
4th - 7th. March

Signifying everything pagan in rituals, color forms and the abandon, Carnival, in Goa is one very vibrant festival that heralds the time of lent for the Goan Christian community. Celebrated as a three day period of merrymaking and revelry where the Monarch of the festival, King Momo and his consort the queen are chosen, and they open the festivities, Carnival is one of the most awaited summer fiestas.Adapted from the Portuguese during their tenure in Goa, Carnival highlights grand parades of floats and decorated traditional and cultural troupes performing on the roads as part of the programs organized and feted by the Government and the tourism industry. The huge floats are artistic creations that enhance the community's desire to highlight the different aspects of social and cultural mores that exist in today's society. The dancers are a vibrant addition to the parades that line the streets in Goa where thousands flock to witness the exotica, in the major townships. The rural community has its own charming and traditional aspect with traveling troupes performing in different areas and the colourful costumes and merry inebriation that is a part of the spirit of Fun.