Goa Carnaval 2015 to begin this weekend

13 Feb 2015  2035 | World Travel News

MUMBAI - The Goa Tourism announced the plans that the state has drawn up to celebrate Goa Carnaval 2015. The festivities will begin on February 14 and wind up on February 17. The Minister also added that this year’s event will be one of the most colourful and vibrant editions of the Carnaval. The event is Goa’s tribute to its diverse population and heritage; it aims to spread a message of peace, unity and harmony. This year’s theme, as the event coincides with Valentine’s Day, is ‘Goa and Love’.

While addressing a gathering of media yesterday in Mumbai, Mr. Amey Abhyankar, Director, Goa Tourism said “The Goa Carnaval is one of the biggest highlights in the state and the country. It is a colourful and vibrant spectacle which gives one a glimpse into Goa’s glorious past and is a shining example of how traditions have been carried over time.” Mr. Abhyankar also added that the Carnaval celebrations attract tourists from all over. “Since this is a one-of-a-kind event we have people from all over the globe coming in. While the spirit of celebration is contagious, we have taken into account aspects like safety, security and cleanliness which will ensure that the celebration is a truly memorable one.” Mr. Abhyankar remarked that the State has recently witnessed an increase of 30% in tourist arrivals during 2014 and was optimistic that this year too, would prove to be successful for Goa.



King Momo, the legendary character who declares the Carnival open, was in Mumbai too to interact with the media. The process of selecting the person who plays King Momo is an elaborate one and sees enthusiastic participation from young men in Goa. This year’s King Momo, Geovani Bosco Santimano (IRS), is currently the Joint Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise. The 57-year-old King Momo belongs to the Goa’s beautiful South Goa coastal belt at Colva. He was the first prize winner of the Goa Carnival, Float on ‘Mixed Marriage’ held in 1998 and the second prize winner at the Goa Carnival in 2003.

What makes the event different this year is that it will feature street performances by musicians at various vantage points across the state, a King Momo contest and increased prize money.

Goa Tourism is also taking measures to ensure that high standards of safety, hygenie and cleanliness are maintained in the state. Shri Nikhil Desai, MD of GTDC, and Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, said, “We have taken measures to ensure 100 per cent safety for everyone and have increased the deployment of police force at tourist spots. We are also in the process of increasing room inventory for tourists.”


Photo caption: At Goa Carnaval Mumbai PC - Mr. Nikhil Desai, MD, GTDC, King Momo, Mr. Ameya Abhyankar, Director, Dept of Tourism.

Photo caption: At Goa Carnaval Mumbai PC - Mr. Nikhil Desai, MD, GTDC, Mr. Ameya Abhyankar, Director, Dept of Tourism.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia

Recommended Cambodia Tours

Cambodia Day Tours

Cambodia Day Tours

Angkor Temple Tours

Angkor Temple Tours

Cambodia Classic Tours

Cambodia Classic Tours

Promotion Tours

Promotion Tours

Adventure Tours

Adventure Tours

Cycling Tours

Cycling Tours