Looking forward to getting the UNESCO tag, Panaji to host its first-ever Beach Carnival next month

Already famous for its carnival parade, Panaji, will be organising its first-ever beach carnival next month, in a bid to join the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). As per officials, 'The Beach Carnival' will bring Goa's culinary experiences to the limelight by pinning a host of local 'foodpreneurs' on the map. Reportedly, the Corporation of the City of Panaji has partnered with Goa's FIERCE Kitchens, India's first culinary incubator, to create a one-of-a-kind experience at the newly renovated walkway along Miramar Beach.

Setting a stage for Goa's young food-entrepreneurs

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'The Beach Carnival' in Goa will see a food festival in the state, attracting young and local businesses and tourists alike. The star-highlight of this carnival will be all those new food-entrepreneurs in Goa who have ventured into the culinary industry during the economic dip of the pandemic.

From small-scale food and business enterprises to at-home businesses, the Beach Carnival aims to provide a platform to all foodpreneurs that are driven by passion, said Panaji Corporation Commissioner, Agnelo Fernandes. This food extravaganza will open an opportunity for such ventures to display their talent and products, exhibit their ideas while promoting their business.

"The event will also portray the culture, heritage, and welcoming spirit of Goa. The event will feature foodpreneurs ranging from home cooks, women micro-entrepreneurs, pastry and bakery enthusiasts and other hobbyists in the culinary ecosystem. We aim to provide a platform to showcase the local and regional cooking talent to the audiences of the carnival," he added.

A food festival, by the beach - In association with GIM

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The Goa Beach Carnival this year will be backed by the state's apex B-school, the Atal Incubation Centre at Goa Institute of Management. "On behalf of the city of Panaji and with the support and expertise of FIERCE Kitchens and us at AICGIM, we are keen to nominate the city of Panaji as one of the creative cities in the gastronomy sector of 'UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)'. The Beach Carnaval is the first step in that direction," said Rajesh Joshi, CEO of AICGIM.

"The city of Panaji is a leading tourist destination and a melting pot for global cuisine. From fine dining restaurants to culinary trails which offer unique experiences in the intimate setting of residents' homes, Panaji has much to offer. The Beach Carnaval event with the foodpreneur community at its core will add to the culinary experiences which Panaji has to offer," said Parixit Pai Fondekar, founder of FIERCE Kitchens.

A new addition to Goa's colourful carnival-culture

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Goa boasts of rich carnival-culture, vibrant processions and colourful celebrations, which are annually held in February before the mourning period of Lent. While the holy season has most devouts fast or abstain from food, a week prior to Lent, Goa annual carnival sets the state alight with its never-ending array of music, food and fun.

Considering the timeline, people often label the Goa Carnival as the last shot of having fun before the holy season of Lent begins but this year, the food festival addition is likely to take the merrymaking a notch higher. Reportedly, this is the first time in the recent history of Goa that the state capital is preparing for an additional food festival by the beach, at about the same time.

It is expected that the traditional float parades and the first-of-it's kind beach carnival will bring thousands of onlookers to the city while adding another dimension to the state's cultural festivities.

- With inputs from agencies