“Viva Carnaval!”
That is what King Momo chants during the festivities.
After an amazing time in North Goa, we decided to head South so we could see another part of the state. During the drive down, I noticed a group of people wearing masks, pouring water on people as they were walking down the street. At first I thought they were not being nice, but when we arrived at our resort, the manager told us that it was part of Carnaval.
Carnaval is a three day celebration that starts on “Fat Saturday”, the Saturday before lent. There are parties, bands, music, food, dances and parades.
The Portuguese colonized both Goa and Brazil and brought their Christian religion and holidays with them. After hearing about the lenten celebrations in Brazil, some Goans thought it would be a great idea if they did something like that in their state. It all started when they decorated a cart with streamers and drove it down the street.
What I think is neat, is that most Goans are not Christian but look at Carnaval as an opportunity to have parties and fun. They make the Christian celebration Goan by throwing coloured powder and water at each other like they do in an Indian celebration called Holi.
Every year, a king is chosen to give speeches, lead the parades, and much more. He is called King Momo. This year, a man named Geovani Santimano was chosen to be King Momo. His wife was the queen, and his two daughters and niece were the princesses.
While watching the parade, we were soaked with water and even had yellow powder rubbed on our faces! It was so much fun!
After the parade, we went for a walk through the neighbourhood and continued to see many people pour coloured water on each other. We even got blue water poured on us!
Carnaval was a lot of fun. It reminded me of the Festival of Festivals back in Israel because everybody celebrated each other’s holidays. In Goa, they are doing the same thing. It also reminded me of the Flower Parade in Belgium and our Santa Claus parade back in Canada because of the floats.
I think it is really nice to see everyone celebrating each other’s holidays together in a fun way.
I also like the idea of Carnaval and think that we should celebrate it in Canada. Even better, maybe we have parades for all the different holidays. We could drive through the streets, play music, and throw colours at each other. Most importantly, we would celebrate together.
Comments
6 responses to “Viva Carnaval!”
Boy, your family sure has got into some fun adventures. This parade/festival sounds most interesting. Lots of places ‘let their hair down’ before Lent but not in this way. Was there music too? And dancing? Hopefully all of the dye was easy to get out of your clothes!
Hi!
We are really lucky to be experiencing all of these great adventures. Yes, there was music and dancing. My kind of parade! 🙂
Hi Zoe,
I loved your blog and many festival associations brought back to your memory! When you mentioned this year’s King, Geovani, it made me think of the carnival, with Katerina and Geovani in Venice and all the beautiful music of Vivaldi plus all the fun of carnival. I wonder if that carnival takes place before Lent? Your photos where great!!! Love Baba
Hi!
I never even thought about the carnival in Venice… It is really interesting when people think of things you never would have thought of… Thank you! 🙂
It’s cool how festivities cross-over between cultures. Also extra-cool how tasty foods do…..
HI!
Your right! It is neat how holidays are shared between cultures…. Especially when you don’t even know what you are celebrating, you are just having a good time! 🙂