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The Goa Carnival, which takes place every February, is an integral part of the Portuguese heritage of the state. The Carnival has been celebrated since the 18th century as a predecessor to the abstinence of Lent. It made its first appearance in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, where it metamorphosed into the singing-dancing-drinking festival that it is today.
The streets of Goa come alive with an extravaganza of flesh, fantasy and non-stop dancing, which turn the already vibrant state into a boisterous fête. The Carnival has an interesting albeit bizarre background. It was introduced during the era of King Momo, who ushered in the Carnival prior to the Lent season; festivities begin on Sabado Gordo [Fat Saturday] and conclude on Shrove Tuesday [Fat Tuesday]. The Carnival took shape as a raucous fête in which flour, eggs, oranges, lemons, mud, dirty water, an assortment of liquids, and even glue were thrown at passersby. Of course, such actions almost always led to street fights! Today people only smear color and throw water on each other.
The summer fiesta is celebrated with the support of the Panaji traditional festivals and carnival committee, in affiliation with the state directorate of tourism. Weeks of preparation are followed by three days of frenzied revelry. During those days, little happens in Goa apart from carnival carousing. Tourists and locals pack the streets and the music and drumbeats can be heard throughout the state. The carnival opens with a huge parade through the streets of Panaji. No trip to the carnival would be complete without a stint of street dancing. The Carnival is a time for over-the-top festivities; dancers in plumed headdresses, fancy dress parades, fire-dancers, face painters, clowns, balloon artists, and partying until dawn provide the backdrop to an orgy of merrymaking. The highlight of the parade is the float of King Momo, which advocates: 'eat, drink, and make merry!'
To conclude, feasting, partying and parading characterize the Goa Carnival, which concludes on the eve of Ash Wednesday, when the Church rules of fasting and sacrifice take effect. Singing, dancing and masked people mark the flamboyant Goan celebration, until it wraps up with the illustrious red-and-black dance held by the Clube Nacional in Panji. Subsequently, revelers attend the first Lenten service at church.
Warning: Visitors should avoid carrying money or wearing jewellery; Carnival revelry involves crowds of people packed together, which unfortunately is an ideal opportunity for pickpockets.
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