No Curfew- Goa Carnival On! Viva Carnival 2020 Commences from 22- 25 February
No Curfew- Goa Carnival On! Viva Carnival 2020 Commences from 22- 25 February 2020 . The main float parade is expected to be held on February 22 in Panaji, followed by Margao, Vasco, and Mapusa. Team Mangalorean will cover the fun and frolic of Goa Carnival in Panjim, Margao and Vasco- Stand by for exclusive coverage of Viva Carnaval 2020!
Mangaluru: Ahead of the carnival festivities, the North Goa district administration has withdrawn Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) which was imposed last week after intelligence inputs about possible terror threats along the western coast. The North Goa district administration imposed CrPC Section 144 last week, following intelligence inputs about possible terror threats along the western coast of India and the possibility of anti-social elements committing a crime in the state or elsewhere. The opposition parties earlier questioned the imposition of Section 144 of CrPC in the coastal state, saying such a move would adversely affect the tourism industry. Therefore, on few days ago, North Goa Collector Gopal Parsekar issued a notification to withdraw CrPC Section 144, which bans unlawful assembly of people. The world-famous Goa carnival begins on February 22.
However, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said the circular was “general in nature” and the government would review it. Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar, while releasing the programme schedule for the 2020 Carnival celebrations, made the decree official. “People won’t be allowed to drink (alcohol) on streets while they watch the float parades,” he said, speaking to media. The decision is in line with the state government’s move to ban drinking alcohol in public, which is already in effect. The main float parade is expected to be held on February 22 in Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Curchorem, Quepem, Mapusa and Morjim. The state has earmarked around Rs 1.5 crores to organise the event. King Momo – Lawyer Shalom Sardinha will play the mythological figure of ‘carnivals’ this year and head the float parades.
This FOUR day festival, held just before the season of lent, aims to ignite a spirit of fun and entertainment right before the Catholic season of abstinence and fasting begins. Celebrated primarily in the four major cities of Goa, namely, Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco and Margao. Each hosting the parade on a separate night. Smaller festivities can also be found in other areas and towns across the state such as Calangute, Candolim, and small towns/villages. However, like with many festivals around the world, this one too has become increasingly commercial in recent years.
That being said, it is still very much worth experiencing if you happen to be in Goa at the time and have yet witness the Goan take on Carnival. For much like in Brazil, only on a much smaller scale of course, the central streets of the city shut down to welcome a lively procession of floats, marching bands and performance groups. The costumes are crazy, the music loud and the resulting energy intoxicating.
All in all it’s a laugh. It’s a positive, fun filled time and an opportunity to experience something you won’t find in other parts of India. As one of the largest festivals of the year, Carnival is also a reminder of the 450 year presence of the Portuguese in Goa. A tradition brought into the region in the 18th century and has since taken on a Goan life of it’s own since its liberation in 1961. If you’re curious, you’ll find tones of Carnival videos on Youtube but honestly, it’s best if you visit Goa and experience the fun of CARNIVAL in person.
See you at the Carnival- and if you want Team Mangalorean to capture you on our lens, Whatsapp us at 8746841856!
