Due to Goa's diverse religious makeup, you will see festivals of all kinds celebrated here. Hindu celebrations of Navratri and Diwali light up the city with festive lights and strings of marigolds. Muslims observing the sacred month of Ramadan, breaking their fast with Iftar at food stalls near local mosques. Catholic celebrations of Christmas and Easter bring people together at midnight masses in highly decorated churches. One very noteworthy celebration is Carnival, also known as Intruz. You may be familiar with this concept from the Rio de Janeiro Carnival or New Orleans' Mardi Gras. Celebrated prior to the start of Lent, this is a festival filled with colorful float parades, music, dancing and lots of street festivities!
Since living here, everyone has told me about the excitement of attending the upcoming Carnival. October and November is seen as festival season across India due to several important Hindu holidays. November brings Goa's International Film Festival of India. December brings the famous Serendipity Arts Festival, which is a chance to watch films, dances and other performances rooted in Goa's rich heritage. So, there is no shortage of activities happening; however, Carnival is commonly spoken of very highly as a very special celebration here.
