Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The streets of Swatantra Path in Vasco came alive on Monday evening as thousands of revellers from across Mormugao Taluka gathered to witness the grand Vasco Carnival Parade. The event was flagged off by Chief Guest, Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho, alongside Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, Mormugao Municipal Council Chairperson Girish Borker, Vasco Carnival Committee President Fransisco DeSouza, and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest, Minister Mauvin Godinho, emphasized the essence of Carnival as a festival of joy and togetherness.
“We Goans are fun-loving people, and we celebrate in a clean and positive manner. Carnival is a time to eat, drink, and make merry before the Lent season begins. This festival has thrived on the love of Goans, and we must continue to enjoy it in its true spirit,” said Godinho.
Highlighting the cultural significance of the event, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar noted the role of Carnival in promoting unity.
“The Carnival festival spreads communal harmony and brings people together. It is not just an event for Goans but also an attraction for tourists, adding great value to our tourism sector. The Vasco Carnival Committee has once again put together a wonderful event, with floats that carry important social messages,” Salkar remarked.
He also acknowledged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s efforts in reviving traditional Goan performances.
“We are grateful to the CM for reviving Khel Tiatr through the Konkani Academy. This festival allows us to forget our worries and celebrate together on a large scale,” he added.
Vasco Carnival Committee Chairman Fransisco DeSouza praised the participation of people from all religions, making the event a grand success.
“Carnival is a festival of happiness, eagerly awaited each year. It brings people together and spreads messages of unity and harmony through musical floats and performances. I urge everyone to take inspiration from these messages and live in inter-religious harmony,” DeSouza said.
The parade featured a dazzling display of 50 floats across different categories, including clubs and institutions (16), traditional (7), clown and jokers (9), fun and junk cars (9), family (6), and sponsors (3). The streets of Swatantra Path were adorned with vibrant decorations as live bands, traditional Goan Kunbi dancers, and thematic floats marched through the 1.5 km stretch.
King Momo and the Carnival Queen led the procession, waving to the excited crowd. Some floats highlighted Goa’s rich culture, while others carried messages on environmental conservation and social awareness.
A grand stage near Vasco Railway Station hosted performances, while another stage near the Municipality building featured a live musical band, entertaining revellers late into the evening.
To ensure smooth proceedings, a strong police force was deployed to manage the massive crowd. Despite barricades, some enthusiastic spectators jumped onto the streets to capture videos and selfies with clowns and performers, eager to share their Carnival experience on social media.
As the festivities concluded, the streets of Vasco remained filled with the echoes of music, laughter, and the spirit of Goa’s most cherished celebration.
