PANAJI: The ‘Panjim City Carnaval’ kicked off today with a colourful celebration as the traditional float parade wound its way through the streets of Panaji along the Mandovi river.
King Momo, Emiliano Dias presided over the carnaval float parade and later visited the Samba Square, which was buzzing with activity for children of all ages.
The zone has a craft station where children can create bookmarks, carnival headgear, and other craft activities in addition to a games centre and an art station. A specially created pop-up library, craft-related activities, and book sale counter are open to all children from ages 5 and above. In addition to the activities, there was also a book counter which will display curated books from Indian publishers.
A stray dog adoption zone was set up by Animal Assist and Rescue for individuals in an effort to encourage citizens to adopt strays and give them a home. The zone has been set up at the samba square so that children can be encouraged to care for the strays.
Goa’s nightingale Lorna set the stage ablaze with her fiery performance as she sang some of her classics including Lisboa and Bebdo amongst others. Bands Aces, M&M and True Blue belted out some of their favourites. Meanwhile local lad Bongisio lit up the stage at the Mandovi Promenade with his genre of Konkani rap as audiences grooved to the beats, says a press release.
The Day 2 is also expected to be full of great moments right from the word go as a vintage car rally will be flagged off from the Samba Square at 10am on Sunday. Proud owners of some of Goa’s most well kept and swanky vintage cars will take to the streets to proudly drive their vehicles around the city.
The Mandovi Promenade has set up over 50 stalls at the beautifully decorated venue where foodpreneurs have a delicious spread of cuisine on offer, not forgetting the Beach Carnaval at Miramar beach as well!
Children’s activities and the pop-up stalls will continue at the Samba Square from 4pm onwards. To set the mood for the evening, the bands Forefront, The Jam, Uzo and Black will perform through the evening. Food stalls will whip up an array of culinary delights and beverages all day long.
