PANAJI (GOA)
The time to sway to the beats of the ramba samba and enjoy four days of fun and fiesta at Carnaval and five days of spices and flavours at the Food and Cultural festival are round the corner.
The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa presents the highly anticipated, Goa Carnaval from 10th to 13th February and the Goa Food & Cultural Festival from 9th to 13th February at D.B. Bandodkar Grounds, Campal, Panaji – Goa. The float parade will be flagged off on Saturday, 10th February in the capital city of Goa – Panaji.
For the first time in Panjim, a new route has been selected and the parade will take place along the Miramar – Dona Paula Route.
The state is expecting to receive an overwhelming response for the Carnaval celebrations this year and also for the food and cultural festival. Days ahead of carnaval, all the centres across Goa are being adorned with colourful buntings, banners, masks and themed décor. During the vibrant 4 day Carnaval, float parades will take place at major cities in Goa; Panaji (10th February), Margao (11th February), Vasco (12th February) and Mapusa (13th February). As far as the float parades in the minor cities, the parade in Ponda will be held on 11th February, Curchorem on Feb 12th and Morjim on Feb 13th.
A special Goan Carnaval theme song 2018 entitled “GOENCHO CARNAVAL’ was launched today. The music for this theme song is arranged by Shine On Duo, composed by Sidney Soares and sung by Silvina Lopes, Sidney Soares and Lloyd Paul.
This year, Bruno Azaredo (57) from Utorda, South Goa has been chosen to lead the Carnaval Parades as ‘King Momo’. Azaredo has been in this industry for several years and has participated in previous carnaval festivities as a dancer. King Momo is a mythological figure, who is symbolic when it comes to carnaval celebrations and he will declare the decree of “Eat, Drink and Make Merry” during his 4 day reign. The parade will showcase diverse participants under various categories, displaying different themes and messages. The total prize money for the float competitions has been enhanced to Rs. 7, 35, 000/- as against 6, 25,000/- last year.
The Goa Food & Cultural Festival will be inaugurated on Friday, 9th February. Celebrate five days of fun, flavor and fiesta, as the Food & Cultural Festival brings together a host of professionals from the tourism & hospitality industry; hoteliers, restaurateurs, beverage brands and lifestyle outlets to showcase their premium offerings. The five day festival promises an exciting line-up of performances, activities and events. Some of the festival highlights include food & lifestyle stalls, performances by popular national bands including Agnee, Lagori, Ravi Chary with Gino Banks & Troupe, live music by top Goan Bands – Crimson Tide and Rahul with Raagas 2 Riches, international dance performances, fashion show by Anusha Shaikh, sand sculpture workshop, Chef de Goa Cooking Contest, and much more.
The Chef de Goa competition is an excellent platform for those with culinary knowledge and expertise to showcase their flair. The competition celebrates the rich cuisine of Goa, and contestants will have to participate in a series of rounds to win the coveted title. The final will take place on 13th February at the festival venue.
The Food & Cultural festival is open to all and will commence at 6.00 p.m. every evening.
The Goa Carnaval Food & Cultural Festival 2018 Itinerary
Friday, 9th February
6.30 pm – 7.30 pm Duet Performance by ‘Shine On’
7.30 pm – 8.30 pm Live Band – ‘Raul with Raagas 2 Riches’
8.30 pm onwards Fusion Performance by ‘Ravi Chary with Gino Banks & Troupe’
Saturday, 10th February
6.30 pm – 7.30 pm Duet Performance
7.45 pm – 8.15 pm Performance by ‘Kanan Brothers’
8.30 pm onwards Live Band – ‘Agnee’
Sunday, 11th February
6.30 pm – 7.30 pm Duet Performance
7.30 pm – 8.30 pm Live Band – ‘Moksha’
8.30 pm onwards Live Band – ‘Lagori’
Monday, 12th February
6.30 pm – 7.30 pm Live Performance by ‘Black Trio’
7.30 pm – 8.30 pm Fashion Show by ‘Anusha Shaikh’ & Dance Performances
8.30 pm onwards Live Music
Tuesday, 13th February
6.30 pm – 7.45 pm Live Band – ‘Crimson Tide’
7.45 pm – 8.30 pm Dance Performances & Dj
8.30 pm onwards Live Band – ‘ROL’
