The Festival
Of course, beaches and churches are the main attraction of Goa and they attract tourists from all over the world. But, Goa Carnival is another major attraction of the state and draws people from far and near. An annual festival, Goa Carnival is celebrated in the month of February. Goa Carnival is celebrated for three days and three nights in towns and villages. People participate in various fun-filled activities and enjoy the each and every moment of the festivities.

A festival of colour, music and dance, Goa Carnival offers a healthy entertainment to visitors as well as local people. Actually the Goa Carnival is a Christian festival, influenced by the Portuguese culture, but it also has the influence of traditional Hindu festivals. Hence, plan a trip to Goa next month and become a part of the carnival. You will get an excellent chance to experience the Portuguese culture and return your home with some pleasant memories.

Legends
Origin of the Goa Carnival dates back to the Portuguese, who had ruled over the region till the year 1961. According to historic records the Portuguese rulers started the festival as a rowdy celebration. In early days the Portuguese rulers used to throw eatables like eggs, flour, oranges, lemons, sand-filled bags, mud, glue, numerous liquids and several other kitchen items on the passerby.

Besides, the fierce battles were also part of the celebration. Plaster of Paris, Eggs, Corncobs, Beans, Wax Lemons etc. were the famous weapons of the fierce battles. Endless eating was another highlight of the carnival those days. People used to gorge on delicious dishes, cakes, breads and other food items distributed by the convents. Over the years a number of old rituals have been dropped and many other are added. Despite such changes in rituals, Goa Carnival manages its old charm and fervour.

The Celebration
Goa Carnival begins as the legendary King Momo takes over the state. Whole Goa is enveloped with the music, dance and multi-hued colours and the festival showcases Goa's century old culture and tradition. As the festival starts, for next three day and three nights the people only think of feasting, drinking and merrymaking.

Streets of Goa come alive with thrilling activities and colourful floats in procession depicting lullabies and nursery rhymes. People smear various colour on each other and also participate in the song and dance programmes in colourful dresses. Stage plays based on the history of Goa or other instances are enacted during the festival.

Mock battle is another highlight of the festival, in which groups of masked people fight with eatables or other items. Dazzling fireworks, children's musical orchestra, funny costumes of people and fortune tellers predicting the future are other highlights of the carnival. A variety of competitions are also organised during the festival and the winners are given award on the final day the King Momo.

Goa Carnival Date in 2008
02nd - 04th February