What is the name of the Carnival in Goa, India?

The Carnival in Goa, India, is called the Goa Carnival. It is also known locally as Carnaval, Intruz, Entrado, or Viva Carnival.

The celebration grew from Catholic traditions introduced during Portuguese rule and is held immediately before Lent. Its modern public form includes colourful floats, masked performers, music, dancing, street processions, and the ceremonial rule of King Momo.

Although Goa’s festival has older Portuguese roots, its present parade style was shaped partly by Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. Goan musician Timoteo Fernandes modelled the modern version on Rio’s celebration in 1965, helping turn it into a major tourism event.

A common mix-up is treating Goa Carnival as a version of Diwali, Holi, or Shigmo. Those are distinct Indian festivals; Goa Carnival is a pre-Lenten celebration with a strong Portuguese-Catholic cultural history.