For California Goans, 2023 will always remain very special, post the pandemic when everything looked so uncertain.
They have moved past the traumatic two years and their fears and recently came together to celebrate Carnival for the first time away from home.
How it all started? Francis Fernandes and his Wife Lydia Fernandes originally from Cortalim, along with Anthony Cardozo ( N[TONY]) from Ambeli, near Assolna, all currently living in California, came up with the idea and shared it with a few other Goans.
Everyone was very excited about the idea and in less than a month came up with floats and other entertainment activities. "However, the celebration was a bit different as it had to be organised in a park. It was not possible to have floats on vehicles like in Goa," said Malony Alphonso from Quepem.
The entire event was held at Amador Recreation Centre, Pleasanton, California, on February 21.
The Carnival celebration started with the traditional parade with King Momo (Randolfo Dias) and his wife (Remiza Dias), both from Raia, accompanied by feather girls and kids dressed up in traditional Goan outfits.
Not forgetting causes dear to Goa, floats depicted awareness about river Mhadei diversion, fishermen's issues and marine life. Traditional floats depicted xetkar (farmer), Goychem kazar (Goan wedding) and football.
Save Mhadei floats had the theme Amchi Mhadei, Amchi Mai (Our Mhadei, our mother) while the fishermen's floats came up with slogans like Dorya Chorlo and Nodi Vhoileo, Atam Nustem Khoim Marum? (The rivers have been taken, now where to fish?).
The floats were followed by fun activities for kids. Housie and authentic mouth-watering Goan food like xitt kodi, pork solantulem and traditional sweets.
Konkani khell tiatr, written and directed by Alexio De Nuvem was also presented in a Goan traditional style.
Roy Rebello, hailing from Sancoale, nostalgically mentioned that he saw Carnival after almost 20 years. "This was the very first time we had this event and this is inspiring our kids here to know our Goan culture," said Janice Lopes of Merces.
Emran Shaikh from Margao said he missed Carnival for many years and watching it far away from home was an emotional experience.
Prasad Desai from Cuncolim mentioned that it brought back childhood memories of Goa.
The celebration was also attended by friends from various countries like Colombia, Mexico and Peru.
Ketty Miller from Colombia mentioned this was one of the most colourful events she attended in the US and also experienced unity among Goans which is rare to see nowadays.