carnival of goa

For three days and nights the streets come alive with lights and

 color. Held in mid February, the eek-long event is a time for lively

processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, graceful dances and

 non-stop festivity. Goa festival is one of the famous Indian

Carnivals as it is a complete sell out in terms of tourism

capacities.The 'Carnival’ is exclusive and unique to Goa, and

 was introduced by the Portuguese, who ruled Goa for over five

 hundred years. The word Carnival (Carnival in Portuguese) is

 derived from a Latin word meaning- ‘to take away meat’

and it is an expression of the 40-day period of fasting for Lent,

during which, abstinence from meat is compulsory.Earlier, the

 festival was generally meant for the Christians residing in Goa but

 now it attracts a lot of people from around the globe. The streets

 become lively with the traditional carnival costumes, floats,

strumming of guitars, western dance forms, etc.The carnival

kicks of in February for three days and nights, when the legendary

 king-Momo takes over the state and the streets blaze with music

and color. Huge parades are organized across the state with

 glittering floats, bands, and dance performances on the streets

throughout the night. Also, grand balls are held during the

evenings. The carnival includes of a famous red-and-black dance

which is organised by the Club National in Panaji on the final day 

of the carnival.