Feasting in Goa Carnival

Goa Carnival History - Goa carnival is today a celebration and symbol of Goa culture which attracts tourists from India as well as abroad.

The Customs of Goa Carnival is meant to be a feasting-drinking-merrymaking orgy just before the strict 40 days of Lent.

Feasting in Goa carnival comprises mainly of non-vegetarian dishes.

The foods laid out are majestic and grand and highly tempting.

The main course of the meal mainly consists of seafood, pork and chicken. The indisputable Portuguese influence can be seen in the dishes of caldeirada, racheiado and cabidela.

Pork is a must for any festive occasion in Goa and the most legendary preparation is the vindaloo.

Customs of Goa Carnival - Pork Vindaloo is a spicy concoction with plenty of red chilies, garlic, cooked with chunks of pork, Goa vinegar, hard palm jaggery, and is best enjoyed with plain boiled rice. Another mouth-watering delicacy made of pork is the sarpotel. A curry with thick gravy to the layman, this exotic concoction comprises boneless pork, liver, heart, kidneys, red chilies, cinnamon, cloves bathed in tangy toddy vinegar, which is needed to balance the strong taste of pig’s blood: another traditional ingredient of this revered dish. The most renowned Goan sweet meat is the many layered be Inca.

The Goa carnival is synonymous with the state of Goa and is the manifestation of the quintessential fun-loving spirit of Goan's at its sublime best. Largely a legacy of the Portuguese era, the Goa carnival has transcended the confines of its religious roots. Seen in a wider context, the carnival of Goa is one of the several carnivals held in different parts of the world that precede the 40-day abstinence period of Lent.

The Goa carnival is held for three days and preparation for this colorful extravaganza starts at least three months in advance. When the big day comes calling, a riot of colors and merriment engulfs the state with elaborate processions winding through the streets. At the outset 'the king of chaos' or 'King Momo' is chosen and he leads the parade featuring dance troupes and beautiful floats.

The Goa carnival parade is an awesome spectacle encompassing a mind-boggling array of activities. Masked revelers dancing to live band music and ornately decorated floats are the highlights of this fascinating jamboree. The carnival culminates with the famous Red-and-Black dance held by the Clube Nacional in Panaji. Over the years, the Goa carnival has come to embody the very best of the unique Goan culture. On the eve of the carnival tourists from all over the world descend on Goa for a sip of the rich heritage of Goa.