Goa to kick off Carnival 2026 on Feb 13, festivities to be held in multiple cities in state
The Goa government is set to host Carnival 2026 from February 13 to 17, with festivities spreading across multiple towns and cities in the state, featuring vibrant parades, colourful floats, live music, dance performances, traditional rituals, street parties, food fairs, and cultural showcases, officials said on Thursday. The festival, widely regarded as one of India’s most joyous and visually spectacular cultural events, has centuries-old roots dating back to the Portuguese colonial era when European Carnival traditions were introduced to Goa. Over time, these traditions blended with local music, dance, and folklore to create a unique festival that marks the period of feasting and merriment before the Christian season of Lent. The event attracts visitors from across India and the world, celebrating not only Goa’s heritage but also its community spirit and artistic vibrancy.
State Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte described Carnival as a celebration of joy, inclusivity, cultural pride, and community engagement , highlighting that expanding the festivities across multiple locations allows for greater participation and provides tourists with an authentic Goan experience. The celebrations begin with a curtain-raiser in Porvorim on February 13 , followed by the ceremonial flag-off of the Carnival parade in Panaji on February 14 . The festivities then move to Margao on February 15 and Vasco on February 16 , culminating in Mapusa and Morjim on February 17 , creating a state-wide celebration that bridges both North and South Goa. Each venue will feature elaborate float parades, live music, street performances, traditional dances such as Fugdi and Dekhnni , and family-friendly events, all designed to immerse participants and visitors in Goa’s cultural heritage.
A signature element of the festival is the arrival of King Momo , the symbolic “king of fun and merriment,” who officially inaugurates the Carnival with his proclamation inviting everyone to “eat, drink and be merry.” For 2026, Cedric da Costa has been named King Momo, embodying the playful spirit of the event and leading parades alongside costumed performers, dancers, and musicians. The festival’s streets transform into stages of celebration with thematic floats representing local folklore, historical events, contemporary social messages, and artistic creativity. Performers in flamboyant costumes, masked revelers, acrobats, and theatre artists contribute to a vibrant, immersive atmosphere that continues late into the night.
Carnival 2026 will also spotlight the Red and Black Dance , one of the festival’s iconic spectacles, where coordinated groups perform choreographed routines in striking red and black costumes, adding a visually stunning element to the celebration. Alongside the parades and dances, street vendors will offer authentic Goan delicacies such as pork vindaloo, sorpotel, prawn balchão, bebinca, and feni , while local artisans showcase handicrafts and souvenirs that reflect the region’s rich artistic traditions. The combination of food, music, dance, and visual spectacle ensures a fully immersive cultural experience for visitors of all ages.
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation has allocated approximately ₹1.5 crore for Carnival 2026, including ₹48 lakh for prize money to encourage creative participation and ₹1.04 crore for infrastructure and logistics , ensuring the event is safe, clean, and accessible across all venues. State Director of Tourism Kedar Naik emphasized that the festival has been planned to provide a well-managed, high-quality experience while aligning with Goa’s vision of responsible and regenerative tourism , preserving both local culture and the environment. By combining centuries-old traditions with contemporary performances, international-style parades, and community engagement, Carnival 2026 promises to be a celebration of Goa’s identity, creativity, and joyous spirit, drawing locals and tourists together in a unique cultural experience that continues to define the state’s social and artistic vibrancy.