Carnival festival begins today

Panaji, Feb 2 (UNI) The four-day 'Carnival' festival of fun and frolic started today with King Momo Pronounce his royal decree for all 'eat, drink and enjoy'.

Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) float led King Momo, featuring international Goan dancing duo Jason and Sylvia, was flagged off by Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat in the presence of Tourism Minister Francisco (Micky) Pacheco at Santa Monica jetty.

The special attraction of this year's Carnival is Brazil Partners Goa Carnival with participation of a 'tableau' by the Brazilian Consulate in Mumbai float.

More than 60 floats in various categories including traditional, junk cars, jokers and sponsored floats participated in the carnival.

Besides Goan, large number of tourists from neighbouring states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and foreign tourists witnessed the carnival float parade.

At 0500 hrs two 'alvoradas' (Wake up call) groups went around the city heralding the arrival of the carnival.

UK-based music groups performed UB40 show and the Queen Experience at the parade later in the evening.

UNI SRN GR SP HT1918