[2] While the roots of the Carnival in Goa date back to the introduction of Roman Catholic traditions during the Portuguese conquest of Goa, being celebrated since the eighteenth century,[4] the festival itself fell into obscurity during the later days of colonialism, as Portugal's authoritarian regime known and is celebrated on the same day as Portugal Estado Novo limited freedom of assembly and press.

[5] After the end of Portuguese rule, the Brazilian version of the festival was imposed by Timoteo Fernandes in 1965, a Goan musician who modeled it after the famed Rio Carnival.

It is still organised in a very traditional manner, including by the staging of streetside local plays called Khell tiatrs, in various villages, especially in the taluka of Salcete .

[9] King Momo traditionally proclaims the Konkani message Kha, piye aani majja kar (English: "Eat, drink and make merry").

The festivities during Goa Carnival include dancing troupes, revelers wearing masks and costumes, live music, sports competitions, floats and parades, and food and drinking.