The Goa Carnival represents everything that the spirit of Goa is all about: fun, enjoyment and slipping into a different world altogether. The Carnival is a three-day extravaganza that brings out the best festive spirit that you can find anywhere in the world. The Carnival happens just before the Lent period, which is a period of mourning for the Christians. The Goa Carnival dates back to the times when the Portuguese ruled the region. The Portuguese spirit of unbridled surrender to festivity is the true essence of the Carnival.
Etymologically, the word ‘carnival’ is derived from the Latin word, ‘carnislevamen’, which means ‘pleasures of the meat’. The word makes sense in the context of the dates for the Carnival. People go into the abstinence period of Lent after enjoying the eating and drinking that is such an integral part of the Carnival. Another origin of the word can be traced back to ‘carrus navalis’ or horse-drawn chariots that were part of the procession during the Roman festivals. Even to this day, horse-drawn carriages are part of the decorative parades that take place.
The Goa Carnival is all about boisterous celebrations. People make gloves and balloons filled with eggs, oranges and lemons. These are hurled at passers-by. Utensils and pots are also thrown out of the window. Apart from the fun element, there is also a significant meaning in this gesture. It’s representative of discarding the old and brining in the new. Don’t be surprised to find people fighting pitched battles on the streets with brooms and wooden spoons! No festivity is complete without a feast. People have liberal dollops of cakes and pastries all through the period of the Carnival. A ‘King of Chaos’ is elected and he is crowned as King Momo. King Momo is the guardian of the Goa Carnival. At the end of the celebration, he distributes prizes among the winners.
Copyright – India Travel Guide
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