Goa Carnival is just a day away and the excitement in the state is palpable to say the least! The grand street party, rooted in Portuguese and Rio traditions, is taking place from February 13 to February 17, 2026 across major cities in Goa. While we have given you a gist of the Goa Carnival Parade in our previous articles, we’ll guide you through the parade timings across different cities, how to reach, where to stay, and more such information.
Goa Carnival Parade: Significance, Route, Timings, How To Reach, Where To Stay
Significance Of The Goa Carnival / Carnival De Goa
The Goa Carnival is also known as the Viva Carnival or Carnival de Goa among locals. It is an annual event, often considered to be the largest pre-Lenten street celebration. This means that the celebration occurs right before the Lent, a 40-day season of fasting and prayer in Christian traditions.
Carnival de Goa stands out for its vibrant parades, vibrant performances, and enjoyable music, food, and atmosphere. This is a time for Goans to simply enjoy together and be merry!
The carnival is not a modern tourist attraction but a legacy that has endured for centuries. With hundreds of years of history, the carnival is rooted in Portuguese culture and inspired by the Rio Carnival of Brazil. Today, it is a major cultural celebration in Goa and attracts tourists and visitors from all over the world.
Goa Carnival Parade 2026 Schedule City-Wise
The five-day-long extravaganza will take place from Friday, February 13 to Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Here is the city-wise schedule of the Goa Carnival 2026:
| Date | City/Area | Time of the day | Parade Route |
| 13 February | Porvorim | Morning parade | IHM – ACDIL School |
| 14 February | Panjim (main carnival) | Afternoon main parade | New Patto Bridge – Campal Ground |
| 15 February | Margao | Afternoon to late-afternoon parade | Holy Spirit Church – Margao Municipal Council Square |
| 16 February | Vasco da Gama | Afternoon to late-afternoon parade | St. Andrew’s Junction – Joshi Chowk / Railway Station |
| 17 February | Mapusa | Mixed schedule (timings may vary) | Comunidade behind Milagres Church – Comunidade Ground near Dev Bodgeshwar Temple |
| 17 February | Morjim | Morjim Khind – Morjim Junction (near Raj Super Market) |
How To Reach Goa For The Goa Carnival Parade 2026?
By Air
Goa has two airports, one in the northern part and one in the central part. Both the airports are well-connected to major Indian and international locations. Here’s which airport you must choose to fly down to depending on the carnival location:
Manohar International Airport (GOX): Porvorim (≈ 24 km), Mapusa (≈ 20 km), Morjiim (≈ 26 km)
Dabolim International Airport (GOI): Panjim (≈ 26 km), Margao (≈ 23 km), Vasco Da Gama (≈ 3 km)
By Rail
Thivim, Karmali, Pernem, and Margao are four major railway stations in Goa that are well-connected to major railway stations in North and South India. If you want to reach Porvorim, Mapusa, or Morjim, you must alight at either Thivim, Pernem, or Karmali railway stations. If you want to visit Panjim, Margao, or Vasco da Gama, alighting at either Karmali or Margao railway stations is more convenient. Check the distance between the place you wish to visit and its location from the nearest railway station.
By Road
Goa’s Kadamba Transport Corporation is a state-run transport undertaking, running buses within Goa and to neighboring regions in Goa like Belgaum, Kolhapur, Sawantwadi, etc. You can easily get overnight buses to Goa from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and other major cities in Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc.
Similarly, Goa is well-connected to major cities with a good network of highways. You can choose to rent vehicles within the state or self-drive. Booking a cab for the entire duration of your stay or for specific destinations during your stay can be another option, but cabs are quite expensive in Goa.
Also Read: World Sacred Spirit Festival 2026: Dates, Venue & Guide
Where To Stay In Goa During Goa Carnival 2026?
Goa Carnival is an anticipated cultural event, so it is recommended that you complete your hotel and flight bookings at least a month or two in advance. During the carnival season, rates of hotels and flights can become quite high.
Good news is that Goa is a paradise for all kinds of travelers – whether you’re a budget / solo traveler or someone who loves soaking in luxury.
Here we’re suggesting some hotels, depending on your budget, where you can stay during the Goa Carnival 2026:
Low budget hotels / hostels: Under INR 1,500 per night
- Hotel Surya Palace, Margao: ≈ INR 1,100
- Monkey Mind Hostel, Margao: ≈ INR 900
- Casa Nobert: ≈ INR 1,200
- FabHotel Prestige, Mapusa: ≈ INR 1,500
- YogiTree, Morjim: ≈ INR 1,500
Mid-budget hotels: Between INR 1,500 – INR 5,000 per night
- Townhouse Oak, Margao: ≈ INR 2,000
- Beach Walk Resort, Morjim: ≈ INR 2,100
- Treebo Green Park, Mapusa: ≈ INR 3,900
- Morjim Hermitage Cottages: ≈ INR 4,720
- De Soul Sante, Morjim: ≈ INR 4,800
Luxury hotels: INR 5,000 and above per night
- Hotel Gautam, Porvorim: ≈ INR 6,300
- LaRiSa Resort, Morjim: ≈ INR 7,600
- Hotel Braganza: ≈ INR 8,500
- Stori by ITC Hotels: ≈ INR 19,000
- StayVista at the Portugal Renaissance: ≈ INR 13,000
Tips For Attending The Carnival de Goa 2026
- Arrive early for the best views: To secure a prime spot that gives you the best views of the parade, we recommend showing up at least 30 to 45 minutes before the parade starts.
- Stay hydrated throughout the event: Attending a parade can involve standing for long hours. Make sure you carry water and stay hydrated.
- Plan your itinerary ahead of time: The carnival is not an event that takes place only in one place on one day. As it is a multi-day event taking place across Goa, plan your itinerary ahead of time. This will help you stay informed and avoid any last minute confusion.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: You might also be expected to walk for long distances, especially if you’re also exploring the city or indulging in other activities at the carnival. To stay comfortable for long hours, wear breathable, lightweight clothing and shoes that can support hours of walking without making your feet feel sore or cramped.
- Carry cash: Street stalls at the carnival might not always have facilities for digital payments. So it is recommended to carry some cash with you.
- Respect local culture: The Carnival de Goa is a unique cultural celebration that holds immense significance for Goans. It is recommended that you respect their traditions and customs and show appreciation for the festivities.
Also Read: Top 6 Mahashivratri Events To Attend In India In 2026 (Dates, Locations & Guide)
Summing Up
The much-anticipated Goa Carnival 2026 is all set for its 2026 edition. With enjoyable performances, colorful floats, and a number of street-food stalls, the grand cultural celebration promises to be a spectacle unlike any other. In this guide, we’ve given you details of the carnival, routes and city-wise schedule, as well as information on where to stay and how to reach.
