Panaji: Well-known Goan musician and a popular figure in the State’s entertainment industry, Roque Tome Fernandes (65), has been selected as King Momo, the mythical king of Goa Carnival, this year.
Accompanied by a Queen, King Momo, atop the main colourful float with his entourage, proclaims his mock rule as he ushers in the four-day festival of dance, music and merriment to the chants of “Viva Carnival”. The procession passes through the streets of Panaji on the first day of the carnival.
The carnival is pre-Lentin festival. This year, the fun and frolic extravaganza will kick start from February 25.
In order to have a funny and jolly King Momo, Goa Tourism, along with the carnival committee, invites entries.
This is considered as an opportunity for a Goan to become King and ‘rule the State for four days, and spread the message of fun.’
Mr. Fernandes was among four applicants who aspired to lead the carnival. He is a retired government employee and risides in Panaji. He has played key roles in Mando festivals and many top Goan cultural events. He is also a popular figure at the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), a major port in Goa, where he dresses as King Momo and welcomes foreign tourists arriving at the port on cruise liners.
He says, “I love Goa, I love to be King Momo, and I am all set to enthral Goa and all visitors to the State for the carnival celebrations.”
King Momo’s entourage will lead the carnival float parades at the four centres: Panaji, (February 25), Margao (February 26), Vasco (February 27) and Mapusa (February 28).
