With UNESCO tag in mind, CCP to host beach Carnival

PANAJI
Keen to position the state capital as a hub of creativity and gastronomic delight, the Corporation of the City of Panaji is hosting a novel beach carnival this year, with hopes of getting a foot in the door of UNESCO’s global and prestigious network of creative cities.

‘The Beach Carnaval’ which is being hosted this year in association with the Goa Institute of Management’s Atal Incubation Centre and FIERCE Kitchens, India’s First Culinary Incubator based in Goa, will put the spotlight on local food culinary businesses, especially those who have transformed into food entrepreneurs or foodpreneurs during the pandemic when the economy hit an all-time low.

“The pandemic has been tough on many. During the pandemic many people have turned into foodpreneurs, opening small-scale, ‘at-home’ businesses offering a variety of food. These ventures are largely driven by passion. We have decided to put the spotlight on foodpreneurs this year in an effort by the city to encourage them and offer the foodpreneurs a platform to showcase their creations,” Commissioner of the Corporation of the City of Panaji Agnelo Fernandes said on Friday.

“The Corporation of the City of Panaji has partnered with FIERCE Kitchens, India’s First Culinary Incubator based in Goa to create ‘The Beach Carnaval’ - a dedicated zone for local culinary entrepreneurs or ‘foodpreneurs’ at the newly renovated walkway along the Miramar beach. The carnival will feature a host of local entrepreneurs who can put up their culinary creations at the venue,” he also said.

The carnival festival, which is held ahead of Lent each year, is the former Portuguese colony’s most popular cultural legacy. The festival, held in February every year, involves a public celebration with float parades, dressed up street performers and parties involving indulgence in food, drink and general merriment before the season of solemnity.

Carnival parades are held along the main routes in major cities and towns of Goa. This time though, Panaji has chosen to add an additional beach event to add to the glory of the festival.

“The event will also portray the culture, heritage, and welcoming spirit of Goa. The event will feature foodpreneurs ranging from home cooks, women micro entrepreneurs, pastry and bakery enthusiasts and other hobbyists in the culinary ecosystem. We aim to provide a platform to showcase the local and regional cooking talent to the audiences of the carnival,” the CCP Commissioner said.

Rajesh Joshi, CEO of Atal Incubation Centre said, “On behalf of the city of Panaji and with the support and expertise of FIERCE Kitchens and us at AICGIM, we are keen to nominate the city of Panaji as one of the Creative Cities in the gastronomy sector of the ‘UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)’. The Beach Carnaval is the first step in that direction.”

According to the founder of FIERCE kitchens, Parixit Pai Fondekar, the event would further cement Panaji’s fame as a melting pot for global cuisine.

“The city of Panaji is a leading tourist destination and a melting pot for global cuisine. From fine dining restaurants to culinary trails which offer unique experiences in the intimate setting of residents’ homes, Panaji has much to offer. The Beach Carnaval event with the foodpreneur community at its core will add to the culinary experiences which Panaji has to offer,” he said.

Ponda to kick-off Shigmo on Mar 19  

PANAJI: The float parade in Goa’s cultural capital of Ponda will kick-off Shigmo celebrations in the State slated to begin after a new government settles in the seat of power post the March 10 assembly election results.

The Shigmo float parade in Ponda will be held on March 19 and will traverse various cities, towns and rural locales until March 27.

The parade will be hosted in Margao on March 20 and it will travel to Vasco on March 22. In the capital city, it will be held on March 26 and Mapusa will host it the next day.