Experiencing the Magic of Goa Carnival 2026: A Personal Journey from an Airbnb Amidst Parades and Artistry
- Roshni Ali
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
In February 2026, I had the chance to experience this lively celebration from a unique vantage point—a friend's Airbnb balcony overlooking the parade route. What unfolded was a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and emotions that left a lasting impression.
This post shares my personal reflections on the carnival, the unforgettable characters I encountered, the chaotic yet joyful atmosphere, and how these moments inspired my artwork.
Artwork : The Goa Carnival 2026 | Hand drawn - no AI
The air was thick with anticipation. The carnival started late. The beer shops had a good day of business.
From my balcony, I could hear the distant beats of drums and the occasional burst of laughter. The street below was buzzing —people dancing, drinking, buying masks, selling balloons, vendors selling snacks, and performers preparing for their turn. I liked being a silent observer from the shadows, observing the festivities.
This perspective allowed me to soak in the details that might have been missed in the crowd. I noticed the costumes, the choreography, and the way the performers interacted with the audience. It was a reminder that festivals like this are not just about spectacle but about connection and shared joy.
People make a community. A shared reality was experienced, which will be embedded in the collective memory of so many people.
Observations
1. Animals Everywhere : Sharks, an oversized octopus, bright green frogs, a prowling tiger, an angry bison — and more.We love nature!
2. Goan Traditional Dance : Amid the spectacle, there were grounded cultural performances — dancers in traditional attire moving in rhythmic formations.
3. Dark Wizards and Skeletons : Not everything was bright and cheerful. Some performers arrived cloaked as dark wizards and skeletal figures — scaring kids!
4. The Mobile Zombie : One performer carried a powerful message — a character glued to their phone, oblivious to the world around them. It was humorous but sharp. A reminder that sometimes we’re physically present but mentally elsewhere.
5. Modified Theatrical Cars : Cars transformed into moving stages — painted, decorated, stacked with speakers.
6. The Local Fenny Truck : And of course, a Fenny truck made its way through the crowd — playful, proud, unapologetically Goan. It captured the local flavour and festive spirit perfectly.
Here, see this video to feel the essence :
The Atmosphere of Chaos, Masks, Music, and Joy
The streets pulse with energy to the psytrance beats. The music is loud and infectious, pulling everyone into the celebration.
Joy is everywhere—in the laughter of children, the cheers of the crowd, and the smiles of performers. Despite the chaos, there is a sense of harmony. The carnival is a space where differences are celebrated, and everyone is invited to join the party.
Transforming Carnival Experiences into Artwork
As an artist, the Goa Carnival is an endless source of inspiration.
The process began with loose pencil doodles — capturing movement and composition. Then came layers of acrylic colour. Finally, I finished the details with ink, sharpening lines and bringing the characters to life.
Every element was hand-drawn. No AI shortcuts — just paint, paper, and patience.
Creating this piece made me feel like I was part of the carnival, too.
An observer. Quietly noticing. Transmuting energy into an image.
I'm an artist based in Goa. For commissions and collab, connect with me via DM on Instagram or email at theroshniali@gmail.com
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