Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Mar 2: The Goa Carnival 2025 began with much pomp and grandeur on Saturday, as a spectacular float parade set the tone for the four-day festival along the Mandovi River in Panaji. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who hailed the festival as a major cultural attraction for both domestic and international tourists.
The parade was led by the festival’s iconic figure, King Momo, who was portrayed this year by Cleven Fernandes. Declaring the traditional Carnival message, he urged revelers to "Eat, drink, and be merry", while also emphasizing celebrating responsibly.
The float parade, which serves as the highlight of the festival, showcased a vibrant mix of Goa’s rich cultural heritage, folklore, and artistic expressions. Beginning in Panaji, the parade will travel through Mapusa, Morjim, Margao, and Vasco, bringing a carnival-like atmosphere to the streets. The colorful displays, flamboyant dancers, street performers, and pulsating music captivated both locals and tourists, creating a truly immersive experience.
This year’s Carnival has drawn an increased number of international tourists, signaling Goa’s growing appeal as a global cultural tourism hub. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, noted the surge in foreign visitors, attributing it to Goa’s continued efforts to promote the festival on an international scale.
"Every year, the Goa Carnival attracts a diverse mix of tourists, and in 2025, we have witnessed an impressive rise in international visitors eager to experience this grand celebration. Our focus remains on making the festival more inclusive, sustainable, and experiential for all," Naik stated.
The surge in tourists comes amid speculations of a decline in foreign tourist arrivals. However, the Goa Tourism Department has refuted such claims, citing official data. According to statistics released last month, Goa welcomed 1.04 crore tourists in 2024, up from 86.28 lakh visitors in 2023. The number of foreign tourists also increased slightly, rising from 4.52 lakh in 2023 to 4.67 lakh in 2024.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reiterated the Goa government’s commitment to promoting tourism through cultural events like the Carnival. "The Goa Carnival showcases our vibrant traditions and attracts a global audience. These events play a key role in boosting tourism and enhancing Goa’s cultural appeal," he said.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte highlighted the festival’s role in Goa’s vision of regenerative tourism, which emphasizes economic, environmental, social, and cultural sustainability.
"The Goa Carnival is not just a festival; it is a global celebration of our traditions, people, and warm hospitality. With visitors from across the world joining us, we reaffirm Goa’s position as a premier destination for cultural and festival tourism. Goa offers much more than just beaches—it offers an experience blending culture, community, and sustainability," Khaunte stated.
As the Carnival celebrations continue across different cities, the festive spirit in Goa remains at its peak, reaffirming its reputation as one of India’s most celebrated tourism destinations.