Goa Carnival 2024: You would have heard of the Rio Carnival or the Portuguese Carnival of Madeira. Goa carnival is similar and the biggest event of its kind in India.
After the end of Portuguese rule in Goa, this festival was restarted by Timoteo Fernandes in the year 1965.
He was a Goan musician who formatted this event on the Rio Carnival’s inspiration and model and was the carnival committee chairman.
How the Event started – Very few people know this:
Timoteo dressed like King Momo and asked his friends and neighbors to join him. He stood upon a hired bullock cart and paraded down the road with dance, music, and fun.
This parade was from the old Patto Bridge to the Panjim Municipal Garden. People gathered to watch his unique procession.
After this stunt by Timoteo, in 1966, the Goa carnival was organized with more attractive depictions, and the Goa Tourism Department formed a committee. This carnival has been celebrated ever since.
Goa Carnival is an annual festival celebrated since the 18th century. It was introduced by the Portuguese, who ruled Goa for over 450 years.
The Goa Carnival 2024 will be celebrated in 4 major places: Panjim, Mapusa, Margoa, and Vasco. I would recommend you participate in the Panjim Carnival as it is the grandest of all since Panjim is the capital of Goa.
The Carnival consists of a colorful parade of performers dressed in unique costumes, masks, and different props with music, dance, and lighting. Find the perfect fit with a wide range of Adult Costumes.
Vehicles are decorated with flowers, feathers, and artifacts and converted into models to depict the culture and lifestyle of the Goan people.
Goa culture is depicted in these parades, and various clubs and associations compete with each other.
Thousands of people across the globe come to Goa and collect on the street to witness and cheer the parade. It is a unique spectacle!!
This Carnival is celebrated in February for four days and nights.
The legend king Momo takes charge of the Carnival and announces the week-long celebration of decorated floats, eating, drinking, and tons of celebrations. The Goa State Tourism Department supports this event.
The event is a time to enjoy and celebrate. It is held before the beginning of 40 days of Lent, which is observed with fasting and abstinence by Christians until Good Friday. The celebration starts again on Easter Sunday.
This is when Goa witnesses the maximum outpouring of tourists from different parts of India and from around the globe. Make a booking for a stay and travel to avoid the last-minute rush.
Every year is special; locals put up different new ideas and depictions, and new clubs participate in the parade.
Goa is famous for its beaches, forts, historic churches, temples, and much more. It’s a paradise for seafood lovers.
Almost every street or market has an excellent restaurant to enjoy Goan Cuisine.
The parade lasts for just a few hours. Plan your trip to witness the other beautiful places and relish the food of Goa.
Dates and Venue of the Goa Carnival 2024:
The carnival will be between 09 February to 13 February 2024
Timing – It starts in the afternoon and ends by Midday.
Places for the event are not published yet, but going by last year’s sequence, the estimated date and place could be as below. Check out the exact date from your travel agent or the Goa Department of Tourism website.
Certainly! Here’s the information organized in a table:
| Event | Date | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Curtain Raiser | Feb 9, 2024 | Porvorim |
| Main Parade | Feb 10, 2024 | Panjim |
| Main Parade | Feb 11, 2024 | Margao |
| Main Parade | Feb 12, 2024 | Vasco |
| Main Parade | Feb 13, 2024 | Morjim & Mapusa |
Carnival in Goa was conceptualized to be celebrated as a day of fun for everyone. This is the reason for no entry fee for the parade.
As a tourist, you are expected to arrange for colorful costumes so that you gel with the procession, although it is not compulsory.
This festival is not just a Christian celebration, and that’s why Goans from every religion and belief participate in the event wholeheartedly and make the event merry.
Come and celebrate the Goa Carnival 2024 with us!!
How to Reach Goa
Goa is a very small state in India and is connected by flights, Railways, and roads from all parts of India and the world.
Airport in Goa
The Goa International Airport is known as Dabolim airport and is located in Dabolim town. It is around 23 kilometers from Margao (Madgoan) and around 30 kilometers from Goa’s capital city, Panaji.
Railways
3 major railway stations connect different parts of Goa.
- Karmali (Very close to Panjim and Mapusa)
- Margoa – Also known as Madgoan Junction
- Vasco – Also known as Vasco-Da-Gama railway station
Road
Goa has 4 central bus stand
- Mapusa Bus stand
- Panjim Bus stand
- Madgoan Bus stand
- Vasco Bus stand.
Hire a Bike or Car – Self-drive
Goa has extensive roads, and they are well-maintained. You can hire a car or a bike and use it for a full day or the weekend. This service is available at all bus stands and even at major beaches.
You will need a valid driving license to avail of this service. You will need to deposit your original PAN, Passport, and Aadhar card with the agency for assurance of the return of the vehicle. International Tourists are advised not to deposit their passport as it’s a very critical document and may need to be produced for checking in case the authorities ask.
Bike – It can cost from Rs. 300 to Rs. 800 per day, depending on the bike you choose.
Car – Can cost from Rs. 900 and upwards, depending on the car you choose.
Other facts about Goa :
- Alcohol is very cheap in Goa compared to other states in India, however, ensure to drink within the limit and not drive after drinking. Use local transport if required.
- Petrol and Diesel are very cheap in Goa compared to other states and cities in India.
- Goa is the smallest state in India, with just 3,702 square kilometers
- Goa is the honeymoon destination in India, and most couples prefer to spend their Honeymoon in Goa.
Come and witness this beautiful place with a combination of Culture, Forest, Mountains, Beaches, food, fun, and all the natural beauty you can imagine. You will find the people of Goa to be very friendly and welcome tourists with open arms.