When GOA calls, you must GO, especially to catch the Goa Carnival 2025 festivities. This celebration of dance, music, finger-licking meals, and some booze happens from the 1st to the 4th of March. It is the most popular festival in Goa, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the globe. As March rolls in, so does the warm weather, meaning the perfect season to enjoy the blue waters of Goa’s beautiful beaches.
The festival began under Portuguese rule and has been celebrated across the state since the 18th century. Its original name was Entrudo and is organized during Mardi Gras, the period before fasting begins for the Lenten season. It might be one of the biggest festivals in India, but it grabs inspiration from all over the world, so if you don’t have the budget for a long trip abroad, why not catch cheap flights to Goa and enjoy the same at the Carnival in Goa?
Goa Carnival 2025 Venue
The Viva Carnival Goa will begin in Panaji, Goa’s capital, and move across other locations, including Vasco da Gama, Margao, and Mapusa. Let’s take a peek at these places to visit in Goa for the Carnival so you can choose the spot that matches your dream vacation destination:
Panaji: Goa’s Urban Escape
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The ever-bustling capital of Goa, Panaji, also known as Panjim, turns into a magical town during the Viva Carnival Festival, with colourful parades, performances, and never-ending food stalls to try. It’s the perfect place to wear a dramatic costume and get lost in the partying crowd. Its beautiful Portuguese-inspired architecture and popular attractions, including Reis Magos Fort, Immaculate Conception Church, Anjuna Beach, and the Archaeological Museum, are a must-see with all-inclusive Goa tour packages!
Vasco Da Gama: Uncover the Goan Heritage
Goa’s commercial hub and the location from where the Portuguese entered India, it isn’t surprising that the city is known for its rich cultural heritage and houses incredible structures like the St. Andrew’s Church. You can also admire the white sands, blue beaches, beautiful hills, and the heart-shaped lake in Vasco da Gama. The railway station and Municipal Garden are popular parade-watching spots. The parades of Vasco da Gama showcase the power of unity and a close-knit community in Goa.
Mapusa: Goa’s Spectacular Market Town
Hate the crowds? Mapusa is your best bet with a more traditional Goa Carnival 2025 celebration for an authentic party experience like the locals. You must explore the religious sites, including Milagres Church, Datta Temple, and St. Jerome Church and the extensive markets for some souvenir shopping. The parades here offer a street-party experience.
Margao: Goa’s Second Largest City
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Another excellent venue to attend the Goa Carnival 2025 is the city of Margao, known for its pristine Zalor beach and beautiful attractions, including the Pandava Caves, Seminary of Rachol, and Sir Thome Museum. The parades at Margao showcase a diverse cultural experience.
Also read: Best Countries to Visit in March: March Out to Your Dream Destinations.
Goa Carnival Festival Fees
Visitors on a budget need not worry, as the Goa Carnival 2025 festivities are free to participate in! You can enjoy watching the performances, dancing in the parades, attending the theatrical stunt-filled shows, and much more for no fee.
However, if you want to join the Red and Black Dance happening in Mapusa, you must pay a small fee of Rs.100 for entry. To learn more Carnival festival in Goa information, check the official Goa Tourism website.
What can you expect at the Viva Carnival Festival in Goa?
The official beginning of the grand Goa Carnival 2025 will begin with the appearance of King Momo, who will lead the first parade. The festival will then open with the Konkani phrase, “Kha, piya aani maja kai,” translating to eat, drink, and make merry. The Carnival is also called the Carnaval in Goa and transforms the quiet streets of South and North Goa into a vibrant spectacle of dance, music, colourful costumes, and so much more. And don’t even think about forgetting the main magical ingredient for merry-making, Goa’s delightful cuisine.
The Parades
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Beginning from Panjim, the parades will feature locals wearing the most vibrant outfits, followed by a joyous crowd of singing and dancing tourists. Creatively decorated floats guide them. Atop the floats are performers dressed as mythical and popular characters, surrounded by fire eaters, acrobats, clowns, bands, and all other forms of entertainment you can think of! The parades offer a perfect display of the Goan flair and party-animal nature. In the past, locals would playfully throw eggs, flour, and other items at each other during the Carnival. To replicate this activity, all gatherers are showered with colours.
Samba Circle
The Samba Circle, inspired by Brazil, is one of the best attractions of the Goa Carnival 2025 that will have you grooving to the beat all through the night. Dancers gather wearing vibrant costumes and move to the beat of the drum in circles.
Delicious Meals
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What is a trip to Goa without trying the spicy vindaloo followed by a sweet Bebinca or Seradurra? Tasteless! In honour of the Goa Carnival 2025 festivities, all stalls, restaurants, and bars remain open late into the night so you can enjoy a feast whenever you desire.
Red and Black Dance
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This is an event of the Goa Carnival 2025 you cannot miss! It happens on the last day of the festival when women wear red blouses and black skirts, and men wear red shirts and black pants to put on a dance. Club National organizes this performance.
Beach Parties
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A Goa Carnival without a beach party? Impossible! With the Goa Carnival 2025 come endless beach party celebrations at Anjuna Beach, Candolim Beach, Palolem Beach, Baga Beach, and Vagator Beach. You can explore these beaches and many more things to do in Goa with exciting India tour packages.
How to Travel to the Goa Carnival?
The Goa Carnival 2025 begins at Panjim, so the fastest stops to get you to the location are:
By Flight: Get off at the Dabolim International Airport in South Goa and drive for 40 minutes to get to Panaji.
Rail: You can either arrive at the Vasco da Gama station or Margao Railway station and drive to the Goa Carnival 2025 from there.
By Road: The best way to reach Goa is to drive via National Highway 17, 17A, or 4, depending on your location. They are in great condition and the perfect way to travel if you have a private vehicle.
You can also travel to the Goan Carnival festival from Mumbai by cruise. To know more read: Sail on India’s First Premium Luxury Cruise from Mumbai to Goa.
Best Places to Stay During the Carnival
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If you want to book the best hotels in Goa, close to where the party is, the cheap hotels in North Goa are your best choice, attracting the most crowd for their vibrant nightlife and clubbing on the beach experience. To enjoy the Carnival festivities, you can book a room or villa in Panaji to live at the heart of the celebrations with easy access to public transport and all kinds of stores.
For a quieter visit, South Goa is the best choice for you, away from the noisy beach parties, where you can enjoy the secluded and clean beaches.
Also read: The Best Luxury Hotels in Goa: Explore Paradise in Style.
A Few Other Goan Festivals
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Goa Carnival 2025 is too short in your opinion? Extend your stay in Goa to catch the Shigmotsav festivities from 15th to 29th March to discover Goa’s traditional, artistic soul. A few other top 5 festivals of Goa you must attend include:
Sao Joao Festival: 24th June
Feast of St. Francis Xavier: 3rd December
Goa Sunburn Festival: 25th December 2024 to 2nd January 2025
Goa Food and Cultural Festival: 3rd to 5th January, 2025
If you have already attended these Goan festivities earlier, how about you attend an international festival in 2025. There are various popular international festivals such as Tomatina, Oktoberfest etc. that take place every year. And about the travel planning, you can access online visa services for 180+ countries
If you’ve ever been to the magnificent Goa Carnival festival, share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
FAQs- Goa Carnival 2025
When is Goa Carnival 2024?
Goa Carnival 2024 was from 10th to 13th February.
When is Goa Carnival celebrated?
Goa Carnival in 2025 will be celebrated from 1st to 4th March.
What is the festival of Goa in March?
Goa usually celebrates its fun Carnival in March, followed by the Shigmotsav festival.
Is Goa worth visiting in March?
Goa is worth visiting in March as the days grow warmer, providing the best excuse for a beach visit.
In which month Carnival of Goa is celebrated?
Goa Carnival in 2025 will be celebrated in March from the 1st to the 4th.
What is the festival of 3 March?
On 3rd March, Goa will celebrate its Carnival in 2025.
Is Goa Carnival worth visiting?
Yes, the Goa Carnival is worth visiting for its cultural events, parades, exciting performances, delicious food, and dancing that gives you a deeper look into the local life.
Which festival comes in month March?
In India, the Goa Carnival, Shigmotsav, Ramadan, and Holi fall in March.
Which is the most famous festival of Goa?
The Goa Carnival is the most famous Goan festival, followed by the Shigmostav festival and Sao Joao festival.
What festivals are in Goa March 2025?
Goa celebrates the Carnival and Shigmotsav in March 2025.
What is the famous traditional festival of Goa?
The Goa Carnival is the most popular traditional festival of Goa, with its exciting and colourful parades, dance, and music.
How much is a Goa Carnival ticket?
The Goa Carnival has no tickets, so you can visit the festival for free. However, visitors planning to watch the Red and Black Dance must pay a fee of Rs.100.
Where is the Goa Carnival in 2025?
The Goa Carnival in 2025 will be at Panaji, Margao, Vasco da Gama, and Mapusa.
Is Goa Carnival free?
Yes, the Goa Carnival is free, except for the Red and Black Dance event, requiring a fee of Rs.100.
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