Department Of Tourism Goa Unveils Goa Carnaval 2026 Across Five Cities

Music, Dance And Vibrant Parades

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is preparing to host the much-awaited Goa Carnaval 2026, one of the State’s most iconic and vibrant cultural extravaganzas that captures the essence of joy, colour, music, and camaraderie. 

The official announcement of Goa Carnaval 2026 was made in the presence of Managing Director, GTDC, Kuldeep Arolkar, Deputy Director of Tourism, Dhiraj Wagle, Assistant Director, Department of Tourism, Jayesh Kankonkar, General Manager, GTDC, Gavin Dias, Deputy General Manager (Hotels & Marketing), GTDC, Deepak Narvekar and King Momo, Cedric Da Costa. On the occasion, King Momo symbolically proclaimed the commencement of the festivities.

Celebrated with immense enthusiasm by both residents and visitors from across the globe, Carnaval stands as a testament to Goa’s cultural legacy, age-old traditions and spirited festive atmosphere.
 
Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Goa Carnaval is a celebration of joy, inclusivity, and cultural pride. By taking the festivities across multiple locations, we aim to ensure greater community participation while offering visitors an authentic and memorable Goan experience. Carnaval 2026 will continue to reflect our vision of responsible and regenerative tourism, celebrating our traditions while caring for our people and environment.”

Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik added, “Carnaval is one of Goa’s most vibrant cultural expressions, and Goa Carnaval 2026 has been planned to ensure wider reach, safety, cleanliness, and a high-quality festive experience. Through coordinated celebrations across the State, we aim to present a joyful, well-managed, and culturally rich Carnaval for residents and tourists alike.”

Managing Director, GTDC, Kuldeep Arolkar, highlighted the scale of preparations and support being extended for Carnaval 2026, he stated, “Goa Carnaval 2026 is being organised with a total outlay of approximately INR 1.53 crore, which includes INR 48 lakh towards prize money to encourage greater participation and creativity, and INR 1.04 crore towards infrastructure and logistics across all centres. Centre-wise allocations include INR 19 lakh for Porvorim and INR 16 lakh for Morjim, while Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa have been allocated INR 29.35 lakh towards prize money and infrastructure, ensuring uniform standards of quality, safety, and visitor experience across locations. This structured investment reflects our commitment to delivering a professionally managed, vibrant, and inclusive Carnaval across Goa.”

The festivities will commence with the traditional Curtain Raiser on February 13, 2026 at Porvorim. The celebrations will then move to Panaji on February 14 with the ceremonial flag-off of the Carnaval parade. On February 15, the vibrant celebrations will take place in Margao, followed by Vasco on February 16. The festivities will culminate on February 17 with celebrations at Mapusa and Morjim, taking the spirit of Carnaval across North Goa.

Adding to the excitement of the upcoming celebrations, the official Carnaval Jingle 2026, performed by RhythMix, was unveiled, setting the musical tone for the festivities across the State. This year’s Carnaval will also echo the vibrant slogan announced by King Momo, “Amche Goem, Amche Lok, Amcho Carnaval – Viva Goa, Viva Carnaval”, capturing the essence of community pride, inclusivity and collective celebration.

Each venue will witness colourful float parades, lively performances, music, dance, and an atmosphere of collective celebration that defines the essence of Goa’s Carnaval. The event brings together communities, artists, performers, and visitors, offering a unique cultural experience that showcases Goa beyond its beaches.

Aligned with the Department of Tourism’s vision, Goa Carnaval 2026 will emphasise responsible celebration, cleanliness, safety, and community participation, reinforcing the State’s commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism practices.