The Goa carnival is a cultural celebration, which extends during the days preceding Ash Wednesday. This year, the fair festivities will extend from February 13 to February 16. While it is usually marked with vibrant float parades, dancing and community events, this time the bustling and lively activities will tune to sombre notes, given the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Typically, the carnival is highlighted by 6 state-run parades, which have been scaled-down to just 2, for the first time in the carnival history.

Pandemic shadows the celebrations of Goa

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The spirit of carnival in Goa will be shadowed this year by COVID-19. As per reports, the state will flag off only 2 float parades this year. These will start from the state capital Panaji on February 13 and from the cultural capital, Margao on February 14. For the first time in several years, the carnival will witness mellow and sombre celebrations, instead of extravagant parades and merry-makings.

COVID-19 preventive protocols will authorise over all activities, events and parades, dimming the exuberance of the three-day festivities in Goa. As per officials, thousands of people will be a part of the carnival and the parades. Authorities have also shown confidence in people's approach towards the pandemic. They believe that people now know how to take caution against the infection and it won't ramp up the COVID spread in the state.

A cultural and religious gala, the parades in Goa are the lone standing celebrations since the times of the Portuguese. Traditionally, it is launched by the flagship parade lead by the Mascot King Momo who kick starts the celebrations by reading a decree, asking people to make merry.