Thousands watch Carnival parade in Margao

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2009-02-23
MARGAO- A sea of humanity descended on Margao on Sunday to witness the 2009 Carnival float parade organised by the Margao Carnival committee. Ninety-four floats participated in the parade.
The Carnival festivities began on Saturday in Panaji with participation of 77 floats. But in Margao 17 more floats participated, probably trying to send a message that the real Carnival is celebrated in Salcete with people participating in thousands.
The parade was flagged off by the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat at 3.30.p.m. near the Holy Spirit Church, Margao. The tableaux wended their way towards Hospicio Hospital road and culminated at the Margao municipal square.
Present on the dais at the MMC square were the PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao, the Water Resources Minister, Mr Filipe Neri Rodrigues, the MMC chairperson, Mr Savio Coutinho, the Margao Carnival committee president, Mr John Gonsalves, Dr Francisco Colaso, MMC councillors and others.
King Momo and his entourage was given a huge welcome by the crowd when he reached the MMC square, where he pronounced his decree to have fun for the next three days.
The traditional floats, which highlighted themes likes protection of forest, farmlands and hills of Goa, ‘Goenche Thevoi’, ‘Nizache Gonvli’ etc, were well appreciated by the crowds.
Some tableaux portrayed bad effects of the civic ills like garbage and sewage, while a float went on to depict that time may come when people may have to swim in the sewage if the authorities do not take timely action.
The float participation had a break-up as follows: club category (18), clown category (21), family category (22), sponsored category (7), traditional category (14) and junk car category (12).
The police had a tough time in controling the traffic but somehow with co-operation of the enthusiastic crowd they managed to do their work well.
Mr Coutinho and Mr Gonsalves expressed happiness over the huge participation of floats, and the public in the parade.