Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Announces the Return of the Goan Carnival

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi has announced the return of the Goan Carnival to the UAE’s capital! Originally, this event takes place in Goa 3 days before the month of Lent. It was first introduced by the Portuguese who ruled Goa for about 500 years. Year after year the carnival has been attracting thousands of tourists from all over the country and abroad.

The festivities traditionally kick off with a colossal parade dressed up in feathers, colourful masks, floats and flowers. The procession is headed by King Momo – the King of Chaos – who encourages people to “kha, piye aani majja kar” i.e. “eat, drink and make merry”.

Surrounded by dancers, fire eaters, jesters, fortune tellers and other jolly people in funny clothes, King Momo moves through major cities and villages all across Goa bringing one of the most eagerly awaited celebrations to life.

Join the festivities this year for an unforgettable day of Goan rhythms and food. There will be exciting prizes to win so make sure to participate in a raffle draw and catch your luck by the tail.

This event is family-friendly and all ladies and children get free entry, whilst gents can purchase tickets at the door for AED 50 and enjoy a selected beverage on the house.  

Our chefs have prepared an extensive menu of all time Indian tandoori and chaat favourites. The special Goan corner will feature traditional dishes such as Goan Pulao, Chicken Cafreal, Fish Recheado, Chicken Xacuti and Potato chops. Wines, spirits and brews will be pouring for as low as AED 32.

Presenting Abu Dhabi’s most famous Goan musicians, this year’s Carnival is promising to be as grand as ever. “La Vida” band, Darryl (“one man band”), Ivor D'cunha and DJ Rudy are amongst the performers and they will be taking the stage one after the other for as long as you can keep up. The event is organized in partnership with Abu Dhabi Goans.