Goa Carnival to be held from Feb 14

Panaji, Jan 16 (IANS) Goa's popular Carnival festival will be held over four days from Feb 14, state tourism officials said Friday.

The Carnival, a festival which is symbolic of Goa's Portuguese legacy will be held in six towns, including capital Panaji, over the four days.

According to a press release issued by the state tourism ministry, the carnival float parade this year will feature themes "revolving around socio-cultural, environment and tourism-related aspects".

The carnival is celebrated in a big way in countries once ruled by the Iberians - either Portuguese like the globally celebrated Brazilian Carnival or the Spanish and to some extent in regions ruled by the French who celebrate Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), a similarly inspired festival.

For the week prior to the austere Christian season of Lent, Goa celebrates 'one last shot at having fun' before the liquor bottles and beef and pork are stacked away as part of a 40-day period of religious penitence.

On the streets, gay and colourful parades with floats, wind their way through crowded streets across the state, each led by King Momo, a ceremonial figure, who is given the key to the day's celebrations.