Panjims Goa Carnival was traditionally a four-day event of feasting and celebration before lent, a season of fasting and abstinence. It has now become an international event run by Goa tourism. It falls in the month of February, though the dates might change every year.
The opening events are held along the picturesque banks of the Mandovi River. Parades and floats pass down the waterfront, in a merry whirlwind of musicians, masked dancers, outrageous costumes, drunken revelers, family floats, competitions, skits, food stalls, competitions, skits, food stalls along the Mandovi. Thousands of tourists and locals come early to find themselves vantage points, and there is a general celebration in the air. In the evenings, parties and concerts flourish.
Though the original version of the festival dates back to the ancient Portugese days, the Indian version is marked by merry making with colourful procession of masked men and women gathering at the streets. Fashion shows, live music, food add up the grandeur.
