The Goa Carnival | Your Ultimate Guide to the Celebration

The Goa Carnival is a vibrant, annual festival celebrated in the state of Goa, typically in February or early March, just before Lent begins. It’s one of the biggest festivals in the region, known for its colorful parades, lively music, dance, and general revelry. The Carnival has its roots in Portuguese colonial times, when it was introduced as a way to indulge in festivities before the period of fasting and penance during Lent.

It is scheduled to take place from March 1st to March 4th across various cities in Goa, including Panaji, Margao, Vasco, and Mapusa. 

Highlights Of The Carnival

Parades: The Carnival kicks off with grand street parades featuring floats, dancers, musicians, and people in elaborate costumes. The parades often have a theatrical, satirical element, poking fun at social issues, or pop culture.

Music and Dance: The streets come alive with tiatr (a Goan theatrical performance), folk music, and the lively rhythms of samba and other Latin-inspired beats. It’s a time for everyone to dance, often in impromptu street parties.

Food and Drink: Delicious Goan cuisine is a big part of the festival. You’ll find local dishes like vindaloo, xacuti, and bebinca (a traditional Goan dessert) at every corner. There’s also a lot of drinking, with local brews like feni(made from cashew or coconut) being quite popular.

Costumes and Masks: People often dress up in fancy costumes, with lots of bright colors, glitter, and masks. The festival’s theme can vary each year, so the costumes and decorations can be anything from traditional to modern, or even fantastical.

Street Parties: In the spirit of Carnival, it’s all about having fun. Streets and beaches are full of people celebrating together, making it an incredibly social and welcoming atmosphere.

Here’s where to stay in Goa during the Carnival

Lohono Stays offers a range of luxurious villas, including pet-friendly options, pool villas, villas with stunning views, and the ultimate in luxury. 

Check out these options:

The Lanai 1

A 4-bedroom home perfect for the entire family, located near Mapusa and easily accessible from the Goa Carnival. The villa features a pool, ideal for unwinding after a day of celebrations. Enjoy the in-villa dining menu offering authentic Goan cuisine. During your stay, you can indulge in unique experiences like Gin tasting, crab catching, and more, making it the perfect base for your Goa Carnival adventure.

Villa Athena

Nestled in a Portuguese community, Villa Athena offers a glimpse into the authentic side of Goa. This 4BHK villa in Assagaon is just a short drive away from the Carnival festivities. The pastel-colored rooms with large windows let in plenty of sunshine, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Start your day with a delicious breakfast by the private pool, swim laps or practice yoga on the lush lawns, and wind down your day with drinks on the terrace while enjoying the sunset. Once you stay at Villa Athena, you might find yourself returning every season.

Glasshouse on The Bay

For those who love sea views, Glasshouse on The Bay in Chapora is the perfect choice. This private villa in North Goa offers breathtaking seaside views from every room. The villa’s unique glass façade allows you to wake up to panoramic water views. Swim in the pool or lounge on the deck while enjoying the beautiful sunset. With its prime location near Chapora, you can enjoy the best of Goa without even stepping out.

Each of these villas offers a luxurious private getaway, making your Goa Carnival experience even more special.