Goa gears up for the Shigmo and Carnaval Festival 2025
these festivals highlight Goa’s ability to seamlessly blend the old with the new, creating celebrations that resonate with locals and visitors alike
Goa is gearing up for two of its most celebrated events, the iconic Goa Carnaval and the traditional Shigmo Festival. Both festivals, deeply rooted in Goa’s rich heritage, promise to offer visitors and locals an immersive cultural experience, blending ancient traditions with modern revelry.
Goa Carnaval: 1-4 March 2025
The Goa Carnaval, an annual celebration marking the days leading up to Lent, will be held from 1st to 4th March 2025. This festival, a legacy of Goa’s Portuguese heritage, is a grand spectacle of joy, music, and colourful parades.
The festivities will begin with the proclamation of King Momo, who will declare the start of the Carnaval with his decree to “Eat, Drink & Make Merry but Responsibly.” The highlight of the festival is its vibrant parades featuring spectacular floats that traverse Panjim, Mapusa, Margao, Vasco, and other towns. Each float tells a unique story, showcasing Goan folklore, traditions, and modern themes. Performers in extravagant costumes and energetic dances to lively music create an electrifying atmosphere that captivates spectators.
Complementing the festivals are food stalls offering a mix of traditional Goan delicacies, such as vindaloo and bebinca, and international cuisines. Adding to the excitement, live performances by local and international artists ensure that the festivities are as much a feast for the ears as they are for the eyes.
Shigmo Festival: 15- 29 March 2025
Following the Carnaval, Goa will host its vibrant Shigmo Festival from 15th to 29th March 2025. Often referred to as Goa’s spring festival, Shigmo celebrates the arrival of spring and the harvest season. Organised by the Department of Tourism, this festival is a vibrant showcase of Hindu traditions, artistic performances, and communal harmony.
The hallmark of Shigmo is its grand street parades, featuring elaborately decorated floats that depict scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Traditional folk dances such as Romtamel, Fugdi, and Ghodemodni are performed by troupes adorned in colourful attire, accompanied by the beats of dhols and tasha drums. These performances transform towns like Panaji, Ponda, Calangute, Margao, and other key locations into hubs of festive celebration.
Beyond the parades, Shigmo also features temple rituals, cultural programs, and traditional art exhibitions. Streets and parade routes are beautifully decorated, creating a festive atmosphere that reflects Goa’s communal spirit and cultural richness.
Therefore, the Carnaval reflects Goa’s Portuguese influence and modern vibrancy, Shigmo offers a glimpse into its Hindu traditions and agricultural roots.
