Viva Carnival, viva Goa! We have heard these words often. Goa's Carnival festival is a unique celebration of its culture, tradition, history and people. For many decades, Goans wait eagerly to be a part of and see the Carnival float parade in their towns annually.
This year Carnival not only gave the message of revelry, but on a serious note, it advocated the protection, preservation and a united front to save Goa from devastation.
The Carnival festival began on February 18, starting from the capital city of Panjim. Later it was held in Margao.
On Monday, the Carnival float parade started in Vasco on a positive note. The uniqueness of this year's Carnival float parade was that it gave a message to be responsible and alert as a Goan citizen.
Carnival queen Adv Leona Barreto came out with a message to remember the legacy of the freedom fighters and the activists who protected Goa's identity. She also urged fellow Goans to stay united and protect Goa's nature and culture.
The Carnival queen in her video message said, “Carnival is a festive season that occurs before the liturgical season of Lent, and in Goa, we have been celebrating it for the past 58 years.”
She further said, “While we eat, drink and make merry this carnival, which we celebrate in the true spirit of goenkarponn, let’s not forget to remember our Father of Goan Nationalism Dr Tristao de Braganza Cunha, all the freedom fighters, activists and eminent politicians who fought to protect Goa’s identity.”
Carnival queen Barreto pointed out that it is time for all of us to unite for the same Goa our forefathers fought for.
“Let’s protect and join hands whenever Goa’s identity is attacked, be it the Mhadei River, double tracking, coal pollution and expansion plans, or any other issues where our environment and culture are likely to get eroded. Let's join hands for a better future. Viva Carnival to all! God bless you all,” she emphasised.