Every year, four days in the middle of February marks the Goa Carnaval. The colourful and lively state adorns even more character by displaying ‘floats’ across different towns and cities. There are a number of cultural programs and street performances that are exhibited with social messages.

This year, the Carnaval was held from February 14 to February 17 and was themed ‘Goa and Love’. It travelled across Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa on their respective days. I caught glimpses of the floats at the capital city on the first day and was happy to see very many of them put across positive messages on environment awareness.

I happened to stop by Samba Square in Panjim one night with a friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the live music, the food and alcohol stalls in the venue and the enormous crowd adding to the energy of the place.

It is believed that the Carnaval was originally brought in by the Portuguese in the state and since then, it has only got bigger and louder. It is organised by Goa Tourism every year and people from each taluka of the state come out and participate.

Across the state marking the big event.
Across the state marking the big event.
Save frogs, save Goa.
Save frogs, save Goa.
Loved this specific float, themed organic farming.
Loved this specific float, themed organic farming.
The fruits of Goa.
The fruits of Goa.
A Konkani lady carrying a giant custard apple.
A Konkani lady carrying a giant custard apple.
Exhibiting the mangoes from the state.
Exhibiting the mangoes from the state.
Stop corruption.
Don’t support corruption.
Depicting the daily rural life.
Depicting the daily rural life.
Save greenery.
Save greenery.
Because every day is a party.
Because every day is a party.
Propagating mixed marriages in the state.
Propagating mixed marriages in the state.
And of course, how can we forget the World Cup.
And of course, how can we forget the World Cup.
Every frame is a photo opportunity!
Every frame is a photo opportunity!
You read that right.
You read that right.
Retro vocals coming from the stage.
Retro vocals coming from the stage.
Absolutely packed!
Absolutely packed!
As I left.
As I left.
Signature masquerades on every pillar.
Signature masks on every pillar.

Good to know: The floats parade through assigned towns, each day. This year it started with Panjim on day 1 and continued to Margao, Vasco and Mapusa, respectively on the following days. Early evenings are usually a good time to go. Vasco is probably the most crowded and avoidable. The traffic was well-managed in the Goan capital, though if you have other plans, it’s always good to avoid the Carnaval routes.

Dates: February 14-17, 2015

Will you visit this colourful parade next year in Goa?

Amrita Das

I have been a travel and culture independent journalist. My bylines have appeared in many publications worldwide including National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet Magazine India, The Indian Express and World Travel Magazine. A fellow of Media Ambassadors India-Germany 2019 program by Robert Bosch Stiftung and Centre for Media Competence, University of Tübingen. Currently, I am the photo editor for RoundGlass Sustain, a wildlife and conservation e-publication. I live in India.

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6 thoughts on “Photo story: Goa Carnaval 2015”

    1. It is as popular as it gets but seldom written about I suppose. Glad you liked it :)

  1. Goa Carnival 2015 I was planning to visit but I was not well health-wise so I have to skip but its always next time. Maybe next year.

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