This garden turns into Samba Square during Goa's Carnival

VIVA CARNAVAL!

For the next few days, Samba Square will wear a festival look, and Carnival (Carnaval) will be the order of the day. At other times of the year, Samba Square is better known as Jardim Garcia de Orta…

IN THE BEGINNING

Initially called Passeio Publico (public promenade), Jardim Garcia de Orta was built in the 1800s, and is perhaps the oldest garden in Goa.

FIND IT HERE

The garden is located in the heart of Panjim, Goa's capital city, close to the main city square where the majestic Immaculate Conception Church (Nossa Senhora da Concepção Imaculada) is also situated.

WHAT’S IN A NAME

The garden is named after the famous 16^th century Portuguese naturalist and physician, Garcia de Orta.

CLAIM TO FAME

His most famous work is Colóquios dos simples e drogas da India. Published in 1563, it is the earliest treatise on the medicinal and economic plants of India.

NEED TO KNOW

Apart from plants, pathways and benches, a bandstand and a pillar (bearing the Indian emblem featuring the Ashoka lions) are also seen in this garden.

WHAT’S ON

In 2010, the garden was renovated to its present look. Besides the Carnival revellery, the garden is a popular venue for a host of pop-up markets, ‘Plant Utsav’ (plant festival) and other events all year round.

SEEING DOUBLE

In addition to Goa, there is also a Jardim Garcia de Orta – a public garden in Lisbon, Portugal – which is named after the Portuguese naturalist and physician, Garcia de Orta.

NEXT: Viva! Here's your style guide for Carnival in Goa