The Enticing Goa Carnival, 2023

Every year, Goa becomes the centre of attention for travellers visiting this coastal state. Goa is famous for its beauty, culture, beaches and the best carnival in India. The Goa Carnival is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and lasts for three days and two nights, mainly during February each year. It is one of the most popular festivals in Goa and has been celebrated for many years. The primary purpose behind organising this festival is to spread cheer and happiness among all the citizens of Goa.

History of The Goa Carnival


The Goa Carnival is one of India's oldest and most famous carnivals. The first Goa Carnival was in 1599, and ever since, this festival has been held every year and celebrated for three days. During this time, multiple parades and other events occur throughout the city. The event celebrates the Portuguese heritage of Goa with its rich history and culture, unique architecture, food, art, music and dance traditions. The origins of the Carnival in Goa can be traced to the Portuguese conquest of Goa when Roman Catholicism was introduced in the state. However, as colonialism progressed, Portugal's authoritarian regime - Estado Novo, implemented restrictions for limited freedom of assembly and the press, leading to the festival's obscurity. In recent years, Goa has become more politically aware and has started to celebrate its heritage with gusto. This festival is now a much-anticipated annual event that draws thousands of tourists from all over India and abroad.

an aerial shot of an open area brightly decorated with vibrant colours with plenty of fun rides and crowded with people
women on the street captured with colourful costumes and dressed in bright clothing and enjoying at a carnival

Traditions of The Carnival


Tourist activities are abundant during the grand carnival days. Day-long dining, celebration and drinking are indulged by tourists and locals alike. The massive parades that fill Goa's numerous avenues serve only to appease the joyful atmosphere with live music and dancing activities. Goa gets decorated with dazzling lights and enjoyable vibes during the processions that go on all night.

This carnival is a feast for the senses. The vibrant spectacle of Goa has evolved over the years to incorporate Goan local culture and several Hindu rituals. At night, the Goa Carnival festivities begin with the lavish parade headed by the Carnival's King Momo. King Momo will be a Goan actor chosen for this role. In the presence of dancers, acrobats, clowns, and musicians, he ascends to the title of formal King of Carnival and commands the processions on a colossal scale. He also declares the Goa Carnival's edict "Kha, piye ani maja kar", which loosely translates to "eat, drink, and be joyful". Goa, as a whole, then bursts into delight, reinstating its dominance as a must-visit destination for people all over the world.

a man dress in fancy tribal clothing dressed up for a fiesta and pointing at the camera
corner view of a carnival decoration in purple colour with large face masks with design on them and a woman dancing on the centre of the stage

Everything about Goa Carnival 2023


The Goa Carnival 2023 Festival is to be held from 18th February 2023 to 21st February 2023. This carnival would include elegant decorations in the four major Goan towns - Panaji, Vasco da Gama, Margao and Mapusa. Panaji, the capital of Goa, is a popular destination for the fiesta, and Margo, a town with a rich Portuguese colonial past, will host the jubilant Goa Carnival 2023 festival.

Carnival de Goa, 2023 offers a frenzy of tourist activities like feasting, merrymaking, and drinking, among others. A few exquisite activities to witness in this future carnival are:
  • Parade - Full of floats, bullock carts, and horse-drawn carriages, are big attractions for locals and visitors. Enjoy live music performances that feature dancers, a special dance called Red and Black Dance and fire-breathers in action-packed presentations.
  • Cultural Exhibits - The Goa Carnival is about having fun and spreading glee. Take in the local performances of art and culture.
  • Flavourful Cuisines - You will undoubtedly enjoy this carnival if you are a food connoisseur, as you get to treat your taste buds with lip-smacking seafood and other delicious delicacies.

A women in pink carnival clothes grooving on the streets along with our similarly dressed women captured during the day

With a buzzing nightlife, tranquil beaches and azure waters, Goa is one of the best tourist destinations in the country. Besides this beautiful carnival festival in Goa, there are plenty of things to do in Goa, like water sports, trekking to Dudhsagar Falls, and kayaking. Travellers can also visit places like The Spice Garden, Colva Beach Road, the Municipal Garden, the Holy Spirit Church, the Our Lady of Grace Church, the Goa Chitra Museum and the Shree Damodar Temple. While you explore this majestic destination, enjoy a relaxing stay at our resorts in North Goa. Skip the backbreaking process of finding the right place to reside after a tiring day exploring the city and have a memorable abode at Stone Wood Beach Resort, Vagator along with your friends and family.