Celebrations that are triggered off from the Christmas season peak in February, which is carnival time in Goa. Even though Goa is a popular destination the year round, the benign temperatures and the sunny beaches are more endearing in this particular part of the year.

Carnival time is party time and the Goa Carnival is the biggest and merriest party of the winter season. Goa is a small state and almost all its folk are out in the open to celebrate the carnival. It is a three-day fest full of color and gaiety. Folks in Goa are into the preparations from weeks ahead and keenly await this marvelous carnival of fun and frolic.

Goa has a predominantly Christian Populace. The history of the Goa Carnival is rather interesting. The Goa Carnival's roots are traced to the era of King Momo. The king is said to have started this carnival to mark the beginning of lent, which is a rather somber and religious affair that entails fasting for a long period of 40 days. It would seem to convey that fast and feast as much as you can and brace yourself for a dedicated period of lent. The Goa Carnival usually starts off on Sabado Gordo (Fat Saturday) and concludes on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) on the eve of Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of the season of Lent. This is one festival that has come to be identified with Goa and Goan Culture.

Colorful processions and lavish floats in the parade on the streets of Goa, India is the hallmark of this festival of Goa. The mask has also gained iconic status in this festival of Goa. The Goa carnival is the display ground for the most innovative and decorative masks in India. Song and dance that is a part of the life of the spirited people of Goa comes out at its best in the Goa Carnival. The Goa Carnival showcases Goa in all its aspects. Latest and new trends find place of pride in the floats that are on display as they move along the streets.

The Goa Carnival is not only about song and dance, but also of well-crafted short plays that are enacted during the Carnival. Of course a lot of thought and preparation goes into these plays that are many times based on historical facts. These plays are locally composed and are therefore full of dance, songs and music. The costumes are of course outlandish and so are the opulent headgears.

People the world over plan their visit to Goa, India just to witness this festival of Goa. Come breathe in this festive air and become a part of this great celebration of life! Witness the Goa Carnival and be a part of history! Mingle among the gregarious crowd and feel your pulse dance with joy and wash your tensions away!