It's that time of the year again, when Goa's roads will be swamped with tourists and locals alike for one of the most-awaited festivals of the year. Carnival 2015, scheduled from 14th to 17th February this year, is all set to dazzle with colour, costumes and foot-tapping music. 

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Since the first day of the four-day event coincides with Valentine's Day, the theme for the Panjim parade will revolve around 'Cupid and Love'. Other themes include Traditional, Club/Institution, Family, Sponsored, Fun Junk and Clown/Joker. The parades on each day—Ponda/Margao on 15th February, Vasco/Curchorem on 16th February and Mapusa/Shiroda on 17th February—will be different and will be led by King Momo’s float. To decide who will play King Momo, a contest is held every year, where contestants are invited to a specific location and asked to perform. Based on their performance and their personality, King Momo is selected. From the 13 candidates this year, Geovani Bosco Santimano has been given the honour of being King Momo. Locals begin preparing for the carnival almost 2 months in advance, with participants designing and decorating their floats according to the theme.

Introduced by the Portuguese, who ruled Goa for over four centuries the carnival has grown from quiet celebrations (about seven to eight decades ago), to be one of Goa's biggest cultural events. Cultural programs and dances as well as local khells tiatrs (Konkani dramas)  will also be organized all across the state. This year too, the idea is to ensure that the carnival gives tourists the essence of traditional Goa and Brass bands, colourful décor, and Carnaval caricatures will be prominently displayed at all parade venues and across the state. The Panjim Committee is also organizing a Kids’ Carnaval this year.