The Ministry of Tourism, Goa convened under tourism minister Mr Rohan Khaunte announced the much-awaited Goa Carnaval & Shigmotsav festival dates in a press conference. The minister filled in the major details regarding the ever-vibrant folk festivals emerging from Konkani and Western-Christian roots growing back centuries, along with the state’s tourism plans.
The Goa Carnaval 2023
The Goa Carnaval 2023 will be very unique as it will be a blend of sea, air, and ground. This year we will witness aerial participation for the very first time, and there will be floats in the river Mandovi.
Going back to the Konkani roots from where the Intruz started, the Carnaval originates from Mardi Gras, a Christian tradition of indulgent feasts and dancing & drinking bouts before the fasting and abstinence associated with the season of lent.
This year, the Carnaval is set to commence from the 18th until the 21st of February and a curtain raiser on the 17th of February in Porvorim. The traditional route for the Carnaval float procession in the capital city will start at New Patto Bridge and pass in front of the former secretariat. The centres for the carnaval are Porvorim, Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Morjim.
Also read: GOA- a point of view
Shigmotsav
The spectacular five-day festival of colours, the “Shigmotsav” or “Shigmo festival”, also regarded as Goa’s spring festival, is held in the villages of Goa every year. Famous temple “Yatras” take place during this time. This festival is celebrated in the month of Phalguna (March) from the 9th moon day to the full moon day as per the Hindu calendar.
To draw tourists, this festival is celebrated in several towns. Cities host processions that feature both contemporary floats and traditional Goan dancing. Best float decorators and performers in the procession receive awards. This year, the colourful festival is set to begin from March 8th until March 21st.
Like every year, this year too, the tourism department welcomes tourists from across the world for a delightful time in Goa. Goa’s tourism department is ensuring that all the necessary steps are taken to ensure public safety. With the launch of the new Helipad, tourism will incline towards the vibrant sightseeing Goa has to offer and attract high-end tourists. With hopes of making Goa a responsible and sustainable tourism destination, the department is elated to serve Goans and their guests.
