Goa Carnival -

The Carnival is celebrated in various European and Latin American countries, but in Asia, it is held only in Goa. The Portuguese are credited to bring the Carnival to Goa, which marks the start of the Lenten season, a time of fast and abstinence. Formerly, it was celebrated as a family festival, but the Carnival in its present form started after the Portuguese left Goa. The three days colorful festival of fun and frolic opens up with a huge procession through the streets of Panaji. Colorful floats mounted on buses, trucks, trailers and giant flatbeds depict various interesting themes. The floats are accompanied by dances, parades and rhythmic beats of Goan and Western music. The Float of King Momo, the Lord of the Carnival and his court are the main attraction of the Carnival. The Carnival has become an important tourist attraction of Goa and a large number of tourists come here to enjoy the celebrations. Earlier, the parade used to end at the Panaji Church and participants attended the first Lenten service at the Church. But after the Church raised objections, this ceremony is conducted at the Azad Maidan. On the whole, the Carnival festival is a gala time for the Goans and is the best time to visit Goa.