Now that the curtain has been raised, all roads lead to Panjim Carnival 2023!

Katia Goes

Glimpses of Carnival fun for the next four days from Saturday, February 18, 2023, onwards were seen at Porvorim's curtain raiser festivities on Friday.

Goa Carnival 2023 | Parade | Curtain raiser | Porvorim | Float | Photo: Katia Goes

What sets apart Carnival 2023 from the past is Porvorim's curtain raiser parade that exploded in a riot of colours on the town's service road.

Goa Carnival 2023 | Parade | Curtain raiser | Porvorim | Photo: Katia Goes

The parade flag-off saw colourful balloons being released into the air by dignitaries from the Tourism department and other officials present.

Goa Carnival 2023 | Parade | Curtain raiser | Porvorim | Flag -off | Photo: Katia Goes

Long live the King!

The face of Carnival, King Momo, for the year 2023, Russel D'Souza, was present on the main float cheerfully waving out to the crowd.

Goa Carnival 2023 | Parade | Curtain raiser | Porvorim | King Momo | Float | Photo: Katia Goes

Unaffected by the scorching heat of the day, participants of the parade, with face and body paint and colourful clothes, kept up with the Carnival spirit.

Goa Carnival 2023 | Parade | Curtain raiser | Porvorim | Face paint | Photo: Katia Goes

Several artistically crafted floats and ones with messages of social responsibility were part of the parade.

Goa Carnival 2023 | Parade | Curtain raiser | Porvorim | Floral float | Photo: Katia Goes

Not forgetting the independent entries that had the onlookers, especially children, in awe and wanting to squeeze in a picture or two!

Goa Carnival 2023 | Parade | Curtain raiser | Porvorim | Clown | Crowd | Photo: Katia Goes

Each unique in their own way, the Carnival floats are all set to enthrall people!

Goa Carnival 2023 | Parade | Curtain raiser | Porvorim | Float | Merry-making | Photo: Katia Goes

NEXT: Fun food and decor @ Villa 259 Taproom and Eatery