Goa Carnival to start from February 14

PANAJI: The four-day Goa carnival will be held from February 14 with float parades planned at various places in the state, organisers said today.

The parades, organised by the state Tourism Department and Goa Tourism Development Corporation, will be headed by a float of King Momo.

The first parade would be held in Panaji city on February 14.

"The other parades have been scheduled in Margao on February 15, Vasco, Curchorem and Shiroda on February 16 and Mapusa and Ponda on February 17," a statement issued here said.

The lead float, which will host the impressive entourage of King Momo, will participate in the parades at Panjim, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa.

King Momo is considered the king of carnivals. His appearance signifies the beginning of carnival festivities.

The tourism ministry has emphasised that this year's float parades should thrust on themes revolving around socio-cultural, environment and tourism related aspects.

The tourism department is also constituting a committee to formulate guidelines that will ensure participation of quality floats at the carnival parade.

A screening committee will also be constituted to eliminate floats that do not conform to the guidelines chalked out for participating tableaus.