Goa Carnival, Food & Cultural Festival at Four New Routes from February 9-13, 2018

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa presents the highly anticipated, Goa Carnaval from February 10 to 13 and the Goa Food & Cultural Festival from February 9 to 13 at D.B. Bandodkar Grounds, Campal, Panaji - Goa. The float parade will be flagged off on Saturday, February 10 in the capital city of Goa – Panaji. For the first time, a new route has been selected and the parade will take place along the Miramar – Dona Paula Route.

The stage is all set to herald Goa’s biggest celebration – the Goa Carnaval, and thousands of tourists are expected to flock in to witness this grand spectacle. The streets across Goa will be adorned with colourful buntings, banners, masks and themed décor. During the vibrant 4 day Carnaval, float parades will take place at major cities in Goa; Panaji (February 10), Margao (February 11), Vasco (February 12) and Mapusa (February 13).

This year, Bruno Azaredo (57) from Utorda, South Goa has been chosen to lead the Carnaval Parades as ‘King Momo’. Azaredo has been in this industry for several years and has participated in previous carnaval festivities as a dancer. King Momo is a mythological figure, who is symbolic when it comes to carnaval celebrations and he will declare the decree of “Eat, Drink and Make Merry” during his 4 day reign. The parade will showcase diverse participants under various categories, displaying different themes and messages. The total prize money for the four-day event has also been increased.

The Goa Food & Cultural Festival will be inaugurated on Friday, 9 February. Celebrate five days of fun, flavor and fiesta, as the Food & Cultural Festival brings together a host of professionals from the tourism & hospitality industry; hoteliers, restaurateurs, beverage brands and lifestyle outlets to showcase their premium offerings. The five day festival promises an exciting line-up of performances, activities and events. Some of the festival highlights include food & lifestyle stalls, performances by popular national bands including Agnee, Lagori, Ravi Chary with Gino Banks & Troupe, live music by top Goan Bands – Crimson Tide and Rahul with Raagas 2 Riches, international dance performances, fashion show by Anusha Shaikh, sand sculpture workshop, Chef de Goa Cooking Contest, and much more.

The Chef de Goa competition is an excellent platform for those with culinary knowledge and expertise to showcase their flair. The competition celebrates the rich cuisine of Goa, and contestants will have to participate in a series of rounds to win the coveted title. The final will take place on 13^th February at the festival venue.

Gavin Dias, General Manager - Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. stated “Goa Tourism extends a warm welcome to everyone to be a part of these exquisite celebrations. The Carnaval is a much awaited festival which celebrates the spirit of revelry for 4 days and the 5 day Goa Food & Cultural Festival will showcase a vibrant mix of live performances, food stalls, music and culture.  This year we promise a bigger and exciting lineup of festivities.”

The Food & Cultural festival is open to all and will commence at 6 pm every evening.