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Goa Carnival 2027: Dates, Float Parades & Guide
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Goa Carnival 2027 falls on Saturday 6 to Tuesday 9 February. Carnival always runs from Fat Saturday to Shrove Tuesday, the four days before Lent, and Ash Wednesday in 2027 is on 10 February. Goa Tourism's calendar for 2026–27 lists the festival for February 2027 in Porvorim, Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Morjim, marked tentative; the day-by-town parade schedule had not been released when we checked in October 2026. The pattern is well established. King Momo, a local resident chosen for the role, opens the festival with the decree 'Kha, piye ani majja kar', eat, drink and make merry, and leads a float parade of dance troupes, brass bands and satirical floats. The main parade is traditionally in Panaji on the Saturday, followed by Margao on Sunday, Vasco on Monday and Mapusa on Tuesday, and in 2026 a curtain-raiser was held in Porvorim the evening before. Around the parades are street dances, khell tiatr, the folk plays staged during Carnival, and the Red and Black dance that closes the festival in Panaji. The modern parade format dates from 1965. This page lists Carnival parades, dances and parties as the schedule is announced.
Good to know
- Wait for the official schedule before fixing your base. The order of towns has been stable, but dates and routes are confirmed by Goa Tourism only a few weeks ahead.
- Parades start in the late afternoon and run for several hours. Find a spot on the route by 3 pm, in the shade.
- Panaji's parade route along the riverfront is closed to traffic from early afternoon. Come by bus, or park across the river and take the ferry.
- Watching the parade is free; you do not need a ticket or a pass.
- Carnival is a family event in the daytime. The street parties afterwards get rowdy; keep phones and wallets secure.
Frequently asked questions
When is Goa Carnival 2027?
From Saturday 6 to Tuesday 9 February 2027, the four days before Ash Wednesday on 10 February. The official parade schedule had not been released as of October 2026.
Where are the Carnival parades held?
Traditionally in Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa on successive days. Goa Tourism's tentative list for 2027 also names Porvorim and Morjim.
Is the Goa Carnival free?
Yes. The float parades are on public streets and free to watch. Dances and parties around them are ticketed.
Who is King Momo?
A Goan resident chosen each year to preside over Carnival. He leads the opening parade and proclaims the decree to eat, drink and make merry.
When was Carnival 2026?
It ran from 13 to 17 February 2026, with parades in Porvorim, Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa.
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