Abu Dhabi: Viva Goa Viva Carnival relives Goan culture at Le Meridian

Pics by Ephrem DeSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Abu Dhabi, 04 Mar 2017: Abu Dhabi Goans organized fourth traditional Carnival – Viva Goa Viva Carnival at the pool area, themed The Village in Le Meridian Hotel, here on Friday, February 24. Over 800 Goans gathered to celebrate the traditional Carnival that mesmerized the gathering keeping their spirits high with full of enjoyment.

 

The popular event organizers, Razzmatazz 360 organized this even t along with Abu Dhabi Goans and Hotel Le Meridian Abu Dhabi. It aimed at brining Goans from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and rest of the Emirates together in the true spirit of Goa celebrating their traditional event, which highlighted superb music, mouth watering Goan cuisine and a very colorful atmosphere where all came dressed in their best Carnival attire.

 

Goa Carnival is the most famous festival in the State of Goa which has been celebrated since the 18th century as a precursor to the abstinence of the Lenten season. The Carnival is exclusive and unique to Goa, and was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled over Goa for over five hundred years. 

 

Several miles away from home, Goans in a large number danced and enjoyed non-stop music from 1.00pm until 9.30pm. The highlight was Goa’s best band, Forefront being flown specially from Goa to enthrall this big gathering. They kept the crowd entertained all evening with some scintillating music including some very popular Goan tracks and kept the audience awe struck. This was well supported by Abu Dhabi’s own Goan Band, La Vida who also kept the crowds on their feet at what is now become to be known as the biggest and best Goan Carnival event in UAE and rest of the Gulf region.  Besides the two live bands, it was Abu Dhabi’s fame ‘DJ Rudy’ who also played some great music. ‘Simply Irresistible Darryl & Chennie’ further enriched the ambience with some foot-tapping music.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zee TV was the official media partner who covered the event and the memories were captured by one of the best photographer in town Neil Rodrigues as well as Ephraim De Souza and Patricia David.  Moodsetters Perviz De Souza and Conrad Caeiro kept the crowd entertained all through the event.

 

King Momo with his entourage paraded the venue with the audience follow in a grand march. Loads of prizes made the event very exciting for the audience.

 

Replete and satisfied, everyone agreed that the event was hugely successful, not only in terms of the number of people in attendance, but also because of the quality of the bands, DJ and singers which showcased a big variety of dancing music.

 

‘It was indeed a delight to see so many Goans from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and rest of Emirates who came together to celebrate. We have to continue such events, which bring the community together in one united Goan spirit. ‘We look forward to organize many such events in the near future.’ he added.

 

The next Goan event by Abu Dhabi Goans is yet another traditional one called, ‘Sao Joao’ which is planned for June 30.