Over 50,000 Mumbaikars to visit Goa Carnival this month

The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear Portuguese food, Venetian masquerade dances and vibrant street parties is the Goa Carnival. Scheduled between February 8 and 12 in Panaji, this food and culture festival promises nothing but the best.

Rajesh Kale, assistant director of Tourism Department in Goa, said, “This year, we are reviving this festival after seven years. It will a blend of authentic cuisine with great music and street dance.”

Some of the big events include performances by singers Farhan Akhtar, Remo, Anushka Manchanda and bands Parikrama and Agnee. A fashion show by Wendell Rodricks is also part of the carnival. Around 70 float parades including one featuring Bollywood stars will pass Panjim-Mapusa-Vasoc-Margaon.

Of the four lakh visitors, 50,000 will be from Mumbai while 30,000 from around the world. Bandra resident Nishant Gowda has planned to go to Goa with his family. “We are looking forward to Farhan Akhtar’s show and to nibble on authentic Goan delicacies.”

Sanjay Shetye, propreitor of Vinsan Graphics who are organising the carnival, said, “Earlier, the carnival had only Goans participating,

but now it has become a melting pot of cultures. We want to make it one of the world’s most sought-after carnivals. It will be five days of fun and food.”