In an era dominated by digital connections, Curtorkars are getting ready to connect with their heritage and what better occasion than Carnival. From February 10 to 13, Curtorim will come alive with a vibrant tapestry of colours and soak in the spirit and revelry of the season before the beginning of Lent.
From multi-coloured parades, dancing to the pulsating rhythm of samba beats, smiles and laughter, the organisers have promised the streets of Curtorim will be bustling with entertainment and fervour this Carnival.
“Our motto is to bring people together through carnival. In the current day and time, everyone is busy on their phones. Organising an event which will unleash the creativity of young minds is essential,” said Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, patron member of the Curtorim Cultural Committee.
The float parade in this quaint village, which is full of lush green paddy fields, hills in the distance and water reservoirs, started in 2007 when a group of locals decided to spread the Carnival spirit among the villagers. Unlike other cities that have a common King Momo presiding over all three days, Curtorkars have selected their own from the community.
“There are special prizes given for different categories. The drawing competition has categories for tiny tots, sub juniors and juniors. In the Carnival parade there are cash awards for open and Curtorim category, fancy dress (Jr and Sr). This will encourage people to come forward and participate and be a part of the festivities,” said Wilson Luis, President of the Curtorim Cultural Committee.
The Curtorim Cultural Committee came into existence with the aim of promoting cultural events and not just Carnival floats. Talent search competitions like Voice Of Curtorim (singing), Dancing Stars Of Curtorim (group dancing), Comedy Kings of Curtorim (Comedy), Drawing Festival, Ice Carving, Vegetable Carving, Flower Decoration and Cooking Contest, were the initiatives of this committee.
THE SCHEDULE
The Carnival parade will leave from Maina Church Ground and wend its way to Curtorim Market Square at 5.30 pm on February 11, Sunday. A fancy dress competition will be held the same day.
A day before, February 10, a drawing festival will be held at 4 pm in the St Alex Church Hall, Curtorim. The drawing festival is open to all students who are residents and studying in schools within the jurisdiction of the Curtorim village panchayat.
A Konkani musical show will be held on February 13, Tuesday, by Pio Agnelo Fernandes and his troupe – ‘Rosall Songitan Carnival Soboum-ya’, along with comedian Ben and Bryan. Dance performances and other entertainment will be a part of the celebration.
