Team Goemkarponn
CORTALIM: Cortalim witnessed a historic moment as thousands of revelers gathered for its first-ever Carnival Parade on Tuesday evening. The vibrant festivities unfolded along the highway stretch from Vailankanni Chapel at Santrant to Bandacho Khuris, transforming the village into a hub of music, dance, and celebration.
The grand event was flagged off by Arts and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, alongside Cortalim MLA Anton Vas, Curtorim MLA Alex Reginald, Dr. Rajesh Patil, Cortalim ZP Merciana Vas, Cortalim Sarpanch Ujwala Naik, and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Minister Govind Gaude highlighted the essence of Carnival as a festival of togetherness.
“This is a landmark day for Cortalim, thanks to proactive efforts by MLA Anton Vas. The Goa government is working to expand Carnival celebrations across the state, and this event is a great start. The overwhelming response proves that Carnival is a festival for everyone, fostering unity across communities,” said Gaude.
He further emphasized the cultural significance of the festival:
“We Goans are fun-loving people who celebrate in a clean and positive way. Carnival is a time to eat, drink, and make merry. This festival thrives on the love of Goans, and we must preserve its true spirit.”
Expressing gratitude for the massive turnout, Cortalim MLA Anton Vas credited the people for making the first-ever Cortalim Carnival a grand success.
“Carnival is about unity, and hosting it in our village for the first time was a great decision. I have always had the people’s support in my political journey, and now it’s my time to give back. The overwhelming participation has exceeded my expectations. Organizing something new is always challenging, but the response proves that the effort was worth it. With continued government support, we will host even grander events in the future,” said Vas.
He also praised the Cortalim Carnival Committee for putting together a spectacular parade, with floats that carried significant social messages.
The 1.5 km-long parade showcased a dazzling array of floats across various categories, featuring live bands, traditional Goan Kunbi dancers, and creatively themed floats.
Leading the procession were King Momo and the Carnival Queen, waving to the excited crowds. While some floats celebrated Goa’s rich heritage, others focused on environmental conservation and social issues.
A grand stage was set up near Bandacho Khuris, where live performances were held and a live musical band kept the energy high late into the night.
To ensure smooth proceedings, a strong police force was deployed to manage the massive crowd. However, in true Carnival spirit, some enthusiastic spectators jumped past barricades to capture videos and selfies with clowns and performers, eager to share their experience on social media.
As the night came to an end, the streets of Cortalim remained alive with the echoes of music, laughter, and the vibrant spirit of Goa’s most cherished celebration.
