For everyone who loves carnivals, you don’t have to go all the way to Brazil. After all, we have our very own version of a carnival in God’s Own Country – Kerala! We’re talking about the Kochi Carnival!
This festival is the perfect blend of culture, tradition, and fun!
Souvenirs, fancy costumes, delicious food, and energetic musical beats, you name it and you’ll find it here!
Every year, this festival is celebrated in the last week of December.
So let’s head to Fort Kochi Carnival where festivities are set to begin from December 25 to January 1.
What better way to welcome the New Year than celebrating and spreading joy?
History Of The Kochi Carnival
The Kochi Carnival traces its roots back to the colonial era when the city was a major trading hub. Back then, the Portuguese welcomed the New Year amidst the local crowds with great enthusiasm at their capital, Fort Kochi. However, over time, the carnival has evolved into a grand ceremony.
Did you know that there was another reason that perhaps glorified the Kochi Carnival way more? In 1984, the United Nations signed a proclamation that declared 1985 as the International Youth Year. To celebrate this, 3 young chaps from Kochi had decided to host a beach festival with extravagant processions. This took off eventually and transformed the initial beach gathering into a massive fiesta the Kochi Carnival is today!
What To Expect At The Kochi Carnival?
The carnival begins on Christmas, but ironically you won’t find any Christmas trees around!
Instead what you’ll find is the largest Christmas tree in the town, at the Veli Ground.
And no, our lives haven’t been a lie, because the tree there isn’t the usual pine tree, but a huge banyan tree decked with lights!
During the Kochi Carnival, the streets of the city come alive with a plethora of events that attract people of all ages. The festivities kick off with the hoisting of the Carnival Flag on the Vasco De Gama Square.
The carnival is surely known to be a crowd-puller, but it’s also known for the insane participation that can be seen throughout the festival at events like:
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- Beach football, volleyball, and motorbike racing
- Kayaking
- Kochuvanchi rowing
- Kite flying
- Wrestling
- Catapult
- Mehandi
- Kolam
- Fancy costume parades
If you’re not into competitions and games and would rather enjoy the exquisite culture of Kerala, head over to the music and dance performances that are a loud representation of the same.
Activities:
Shopaholics, assemble!
The entire Vasco De Gama Square and surrounding streets transform into a mini flea market with so, so, many shops that sell everything from artifacts, and clothes, to artificial jewels.
Consider them souvenirs because they’re all created by local craftsmen. Shop, dance, sing, and play all you want, but during the day. The nights of this festival will grab your attention with the concerts!
In case you didn’t get to reach in time for Kochi Carnival, we highly recommend figuring out a way to at least be there on New Year’s Eve.
It’s the highlight of the Kochi Carnival with a final Carnival Rally, a colorful pageantry that attracts the most crowds.
Participants in folk arts, masquerades, martial arts, etc., walk along the Chinese fishing nets, decorated trees, lit-up streets, and cheering crowds.
Try your hand at these competitions because the best participant/s gets to win the coveted ‘Cochin Mayor’s Trophy’!
On December 31, there’s a grand procession that takes place with traditional dances and a performance of the famous Chenda Melam.
This procession ends when the giant figurine of an old man named Pappanji is burnt at midnight, symbolizing the end of the year.
The New Year is then welcomed with a loud display of fireworks and joyful vibes.
How To Get To Kochi
By Air: Kochi is connected to all major cities in India. Fort Kochi is 45 km from Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery. Bus and taxi service is available from the airport to Fort Kochi.
By Train: Kochi is connected by rail to all parts of India. Almost all trains traveling through Kerala halt at Ernakulam. There are two main railway stations in the city: Ernakulam Junction (or Ernakulam South) and Ernakulam Town (or Ernakulam North). Fort Kochi is 13 km from Ernakulam Junction (South) Station and 16 km from Ernakulam Town (North) Station.
By Road: Both state-operated and private bus services are available to cities in Kerala. Fort Kochi is 15 km from the main bus station in Ernakulam.
By Water: Fort Kochi is connected to mainland Ernakulam, Willingdon Island, and Vypin Island by boat. The ferry service runs from early morning to late evening. Fort Kochi is 20 minutes from the Ernakulam Boat Jetty.
Places To Stay
Although most of your time is going to be spent at this cultural extravaganza, you still will need a place to retire and refresh for the next day. Fret not because Kochi has got that sorted for you, just pick your choice to crash!
- Hotel Mart View: INR 1,158
- Kochi Riverside Homestay: INR 2,718
- Rossitta Wood Castle: INR 4,723
- Olive Downtown: INR 5,201
- Novotel Kochi Infopark: INR 6,427
- Ramada by Wyndham Kochi: INR 8,266
- Dutch Bungalow Heritage Hotel: INR 8,500
- Trident Hotel Cochin: INR 9,97
Places To Visit In Kochi
In case you’re visiting Kerala, or specifically Kochi for the first time, you must explore the city because there is so much history and culture here!
So after you’re done celebrating the Kochi Carnival, let’s explore just Kochi.
- Hill Palace Museum: Hill Palace Museum was the official residence of Kochi’s Maharaja and Kerala’s first heritage museum. It is spread across 54 acres and made up of 49 traditional buildings.
- The Mattancherry Palace: The palace was built around 1555 by the Portuguese as a gift to the king of the Kochi dynasty and was later rebuilt by the Dutch. It has historical artwork, artifacts, and portraits on display.
- Santa Cruz Basilica: Built in the 1500s, this is one of India’s eight Basilicas and the country’s second-oldest Diocese.
- Paradesi Synagogue: The Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, is rooted in history and provides a glimpse into the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Kochi’s Jewish community.
- Princess Street: Princess Street, believed to have once been Vasco Da Gama’s home, is one of the Fort’s oldest streets, lined with European-style houses.
- St Francis Church Kochi: Known for its fine Portuguese architecture, this church is unique among all European churches built in India. When Vasco-da-Gama died in 1524 on his third visit to India, he was buried in this church. After fourteen years, his remains were relocated to Lisbon, but his gravestone remains in the church.
Summing Up
The Kochi Carnival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply someone looking for a good time, this festival has something for everyone.
So mark your calendars and get ready to be in awe of the infectious energy and warmth of the Kochi Carnival!
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FAQs
Where Does Kochi Carnival Start?
The Kochi Carnival begins at Vasco De Gama Square where the carnival flag is hoisted.
What Time Is The Burning At The Kochi Carnival?
Papanjii is burned exactly at midnight symbolizing the end of a passing year and welcoming the New Year. This signifies the burning of all the ills and beginning on a new note.
How Many Days Is The Kochi Carnival?
The Kochi Carnival is celebrated for 7 days, starting from 25 December.
Which Is The Most Crowded Festival In Kerala?
The Thrissur Pooram festival is one of the most crowded festivals, with over 1 lakh attendees.
Is One Day Enough For Kochi?
If you’re traveling within the city to places like MG Road, Broadway, Marine Drive, Fort Kochi, etc, one day is sufficient. However, if you are looking at Kochi and also the nearby attractions like Athirappally, Guruvayur, Kodanad, etc, 3 to 4 days would be better.
