Goa all set for Carnaval 2019 from 2^nd-5^th March

Grape Escapade Food & Lifestyle  Festival from 28^th Feb–3^rd March 2019

Panjim  Feb 27: The time to sway to the beats of the ramba samba and enjoy four days of fun and fiesta at Carnaval is round the corner.

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa presents the highly anticipated, Goa Carnaval from 2^nd to 5th March 2019. The float parade will be flagged off on Saturday, 2^nd March in the capital city of Goa – Panaji.

After  a successful show of the parade on the new route in Panjim, the float parade in the capital city  will continue  to be held from  Miramar to Dona  Paula. On Saturday,2^nd March  the float parade in Panjim will be flagged off at the hands of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr.  Manohar Ajgaonkar at 4 pm in the presence of other dignitaries.

The state is expecting to receive an overwhelming response for the Carnaval celebrations this year. The event will be managed by M/s Vinayak Decorators. A special Carnaval  song was today release by Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr.  Manohar Ajgaonkar during a press conference  held today. The song is  composed/mixed & mastered by Mukesh Ghatwal and lyrics by  Roque Lazaruz and Mukesh Ghatwal. The singers are Queeni Fernandes and Mukesh Ghatwal.

Days ahead of carnaval, all the centres across Goa are being adorned with colourful buntings, banners, masks and themed décor. During the vibrant 4 day Carnaval, float parades will take place at major cities in Goa; Panaji (2nd  March), Margao (3^rd March), Vasco, (4th March) and Mapusa (5th March). As far as the float parades in the minor cities, the parade in Ponda  & Curchorem will be held on 4^th March and Morjim  & Shiroda on 5^th March.

This year, William Anes, (53) from Panjim, has been chosen to lead the Carnaval Parades as ‘King Momo’. Anes has been in the entertainment  industry for several years and has participated in previous carnaval festivities as a dancer. King Momo is a mythological figure, who is symbolic when it comes to carnaval celebrations and he will declare the decree of “Eat, Drink and Make Merry” during his 4 day reign. The parade will showcase diverse participants under various categories, displaying different themes and messages. The total prize money for the float competitions has been pegged at Rs. 54.40 lakh and  infrastructure costs  to all centers at Rs 1.09 crore.

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa presents Goa's premier food & lifestyle festival, the Grape Escapade. The much-awaited Grape Escapade is a celebration of the finest of everything - food, fashion and entertainment. The 4-day festival brings together a host of professionals from the tourism & hospitality industry; hoteliers, restaurateurs, wineries and manufacturers to showcase their premium offerings. The Grape Escapade takes place from 28^th February to 3^rd March 2019 at D.B. Bandodkar Grounds, Campal, Panaji. The event is managed by Vinsan World.

The Grape Escapade 2019 will showcase more than 40 exhibitors which include wineries comprising of International, National and Local wine producers. To complement the wines, several food stalls will be offering gourmet delights to provide visitors with a delectable gastronomic experience. Some of the participating wineries include; Sula Vineyards, Grover Zampa Vineyards, Big Banyan Wines, Ocean King Distillers, Tonia Wines, Good Drop Wines, Santanse Wines, Pomar de Frutas, Fratelli Wines, Indus Wines and others. Goychi Chul, Bay 15, Yellow Chilli, Anandashram, Temptations, Sua Casa Restaurant, Hungry Hatz Grill, O’ Coqueiro & Tinge, Toro Toro will also be participating in the Grape Escapade in addition to many other food outlets. 

An exciting line up of entertainment acts will ensure that visitors at the festival feel the vibrancy and spirit of the event. A dazzling Fashion show by Anusha Shaikh, pulsating variety entertainment, mesmerizing dance routines by Dance-o-Philia and Goa Institute of Performing Arts (GIPA), and musical performances by Shine On Duo – Sidney & Silvina, Raul with Raggas 2 Riches, BandWagon, Pure Magic, Carlos & Friends, Alcatrazz, Crimson Tide and The Coffee Cats will add a groovy essence to the Grape EscapadeExperience.

Some of the highlights of the festival will include the traditional Grape stomping, the crowning of the Grape Escapade Queen where the winners have a chance to win exclusive gift vouchers, hampers and lots more. Certified Sommelier and Connoisseur, John D’Souza who is affiliated with the Wines & Spirits Education Trust London, UK will conduct an exclusive tasting session on 1^st March 2019.

The Grape Escapade is expected to attract thousands of visitors, especially International and local tourists. The festival is a celebration of Goa's rich Culture, Heritage, Cuisine, and Entertainment, and is all geared up for a bigger celebration this year. The Grape Escapade is open to all and the fun begins at 6 pm