Wear a mask, grab a pint, and groove to the booming music, ‘cause the Goa Carnival is here! After much deliberation, the state government and Goa Tourism have finally confirmed that toned down celebrations will take place on February 13 and 14 this year. 

Book your flight to Goa using code: MONEY to get upto ₹2500 off! 

The carnival (also called ‘Viva Carnaval’) is normally celebrated in six to seven cities, but in 2021 will be restricted to Panaji (North Goa) on the 13th and Margao (South Goa) on the 14th. 

Why is the Goa Carnival celebrated?

Credit: joegoauk69/Flickr

The event is Goa’s version of Mardi Gras, a Christian festival focused on feasting and merriment before the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and prayer. Lent represents Jesus Christ’s sacrifices in the wilderness before he was crucified, and ends with Easter, which marks his day of resurrection. 

The Goa Carnival thus represents the last few days of drinking and eating to your heart’s content before the abstinence of Lent begins. The only one of its kind in India, the Latin-style event traces back to the Portuguese rule of Goa.

A lucky local gets to play the role of King Momo, the ‘king of the carnival’ who presides over the parade and declares it open. This year’s King is Sixtus Eric Dias, a restaurant owner.

If you’ve never heard of the event, 2020’s theme song video is the perfect introduction: