GOA CARNIVAL 2016 SET TO DRAW VISITORS
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Goa Tourism has announced plans that the state has drawn up to celebrate Goa Carnival 2016. The festivities will begin on February 6 and wind up on February 9. This year’s event will be one of the most colourful and vibrant editions of the Carnival ever seen. This was announced by Dilip Parulekar, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa and Nikhil Desai Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation at a press conference in New Delhi.
Unveiling the 2016 edition of Carnival, Goa Tourism elaborated on the hard work that is being put in round- the- clock this year to position Goa Carnival as a Premiere State tourism event and is working on this project in association with Brouhaha International, an arts organization based in Liverpool - United Kingdom. The project is entitled ‘Destination Carnival’ which is aimed at exchange of ideas and talents across three countries namely UK, South Africa and Goa India.
Carnival is Goa’s tribute to its diverse population and heritage; it aims to spread a message of peace, unity and harmony. Carnival 2016 promises to be exciting this year and the four day event will begin from February 6.
The main float parade will be held in the capital city – Panjim on February 6, followed by float parades in the other cities of Margao on February 7, Vasco on February 8 and Mapusa on February 9.
Parulekar said, “The Goa Carnival is one of the biggest highlights in the state and the country. It is a colourful and vibrant spectacle which gives one a glimpse into Goa’s glorious past and is a shining example of how traditions have been carried over time.” He also added that the Carnival celebrations attract tourists from all over. “Since this is a one-of-a-kind event we have people from all over the globe coming in. While the spirit of this celebration is contagious, we have taken into account aspects like safety, security and cleanliness which will ensure that the celebration is a truly memorable one.”
Anticipating a larger participation and tourist footfalls for Carnival in Goa this year, the state authorities are drawing up elaborate plans and measures to ensure 100 per cent safety for everyone and have increased deployment of police force at tourist spots. The process of increasing room inventory for tourists is also on.
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is also organizing the annual Wine Festival ‘Grape Escapade 2016’ from February 4-7, 2016 at the D B Bandodkar Grounds, Campal.
‘Grape Escapade’ is Asia’s biggest wine festivals where all the big names in the industry converge to dialogue, taste wines and engage in B2B with stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector.