Cochin Carnival - The Fun Times

The Cochin Carnival was first held by the Portuguese on Januray 1st , 1528 as part of the festivities to welcome the Portuguese new year. The tradition continues till date and has now become one of the famous Carnivals in India and a must-see for Kerala holidays and tours.

Cochin with its rich and varied history and occupations by the different cultures over the centuries has become a melting pot of cultures. The Portuguese, Dutch, French, and the British have left their indelible mark on the town. Its architecture, cuisine and culture have been the draw for tourists visiting Kerala and Cochin for years.

The Cochin Carnival is a 4 hour long procession of ingenious floats, people in fancy dress, innovative costumes, music and revelry. Men, women & children participate. Local clubs and organisations put up floats with a variety of themes, both contemporary, historical or political. The grandeur of the floats , their craftsmanship & their imagery are worth a visit. The carnival begins at the Veli grounds and culminates at the Vasco Da Gama Square, with the Chinese Fishing Nets as witness.

Great crowds throng the streets that the carnival passes through, joining in the gaiety. Many of the on-lookers dress up with painted faces and colourful costumes. Roadside stalls and artisans sell their wares along the route, enticing little children to bully their parents into buying them sweets, toys or balloons.

For the tourists this is a carnival with a difference. Indigenous material, local subjects and sheer magnitude of the festivity are a sensory overload. India with its pageantry, bright colors, pomp and gaiety leaves an indelible mark in the minds. The carnival goes down K. B. Jacob Road and winds past the Santa Cruz Basilica, and the old homesteads and Portuguese Bungalows to culminate near the Fort Cochin Beach at Vasco Da Gama Square, with the Bastion Bungalow as a backdrop and flanked by the Chinese Fishing Nets.

The charming home stays and exotic boutique hotels alike run full at this time. Visitors to shacks that serve up delicious fresh seafood fare can expect a treat. Fresh catch of the day is cut, cleaned and cooked to perfection before your very eyes. Fort Cochin narrow lanes also hide charming cafes like the Kashi Art Cafe, Teapot and Loafers Corner, that serve up warm homemade cakes, freshly brewed coffee and aromatic blends of teas.

The Cochin Carnival is one of the most popular Carnivals on the festivity scene of India and a must-see for tourists visiting Kerala.

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