Cortalim MLA Anton Vas along with others while addressing media on Thursday. Photo by Vikram Nayak
THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Cortalim is set to witness its first-ever Viva Carnival 2025, a three-day celebration from March 2 to 4, organised by the Cortalim Villagers Social Welfare Sports Club and Cortalim Kala Kendra in coordination with the Directorate of Art and Culture.
The carnival will feature traditional Khell performances, cultural programmes, and a Grand All Goa Float Parade on March 4. Adding to the festive spirit, there will be a live performance by ‘The Big Country Band’, along with competitions such as fancy dress and housie with cash prizes.
Speaking about the event, MLA Anton Vas expressed his excitement: “This is great news for Cortalim as we celebrate Carnival on a grand scale for the first time. With the support of various groups and the art and culture department, we are organising a vibrant festival for all. I appeal to people to come in large numbers and enjoy this unique celebration.”
The Float Parade will take place on March 4, with Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude as the chief guest and MLA Aleixo Reginald Lourenco as the guest of honour. Dr Rajesh Patil, Medical Superintendent of GMC, along with ZP members and Panch members, will also be present.
To facilitate the parade, one side of the highway from Vailankanni Chapel at Pajentar to Cross Junction will be closed.
Eddie Fernandes, from the Cortalim Carnival Committee, shared details about the competitions and cash prizes:
The Grand Float Parade Prizes will consist of Rs 1 lakh (first), Rs 75,000 (second) and Rs 50,000 (third), while there will be five consolation prizes of Rs 10,000 each.
In the fancy dress competition, the winners will be awarded Rs 8,000 (first), Rs 5,000 (second) and Rs 3,000 (third).
There will be mega cash prizes at the Housie, with Rs 1 lakh for the full house on the first two days and Rs 5 lakh as the grand prize on March 4.
The event will also feature traditional performances like Jagor, Fugdi, Dhalo, and Khel Tiatr, providing a platform for local artistes and self-help groups to showcase their talents.
"We are expecting a minimum crowd of 5,000 people. This is a golden opportunity for locals to perform alongside professional groups. We invite all Goans to be part of this grand celebration," said Fernandes.
The King Momo and Queen of the Carnival Parade will also be crowned, adding to the festive charm.
