The people of Kerala celebrate all its festivals with a great deal of joyous enthusiasm. The unique feature of the famous new year celebration in Kochi, the Cochin Carnival, is that even though it is celebrated in the south Indian state of Kerala, North Indian dances are very much an integral part of the procession.
Cochin hosts Cochin Carnival every year in the last week of December and it runs with the New year Celebrations in Kerala. While the hangovers dry out on the 1st of January from the excesses of the night before and the bonhomie of the New year’s wishes are at its pleasant highs, the Carnival starts off around 4’O clock in the evening in the Fort Kochi area. This carnival is the biggest new year celebration in Kochi.
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Famous new year celebration in Kochi, The carnival has its roots in the 1500-1600 era when the Portuguese colonialists were the rulers of the pepper and spice trade running out of India. Cochin was their headquarters and as is to be believed, the New Year parties of the Portuguese were all-night affairs and an event to show case their wealth and style.
The coastal city of Cochin is the commercial capital of Kerala and is in Southwest India. It is a vibrant city and is called the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cochin is blessed with beautiful beaches and mesmerizing backwaters. Tourists should try to schedule during the annual Cochin Carnival, which showcases the city’s vibrant cultural legacy.
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The Dutch took over Cochin in mid-1600 and they and many others who came after them were mere enactments of history. But what the Portuguese began as a New year party has come to stay and has now turned into a gala carnival quaint and sweet in its Indian setting. The carnival is not on the grand scale of the Rio spectacle but smaller and has a heady mix of the New Year festivities with the old and the conventional themes and culture of India.
The Kochi Fort that was previously erected in Kochi by the Portuguese serves to be the nerve center of all the invigorating commotion and non-stop merriment that accompanies the Cochin Carnival. The entire city of Kochi just cast away all their worries and vexations and get drenched in the unadulterated spirit of the Cochin Carnival.
The commencement of the Cochin Carnival in India roots back to the period when colonialism ruled supreme in Kochi. It has been conjectured that the Portuguese rulers greeted the New Year in a truly grand fashion. Absolutely dazzling ceremonial elegance and unparalleled splendor marked the parties and fiestas that were conducted by them so that they could celebrate to their heart’s content. Although times have drastically changed, this age-old tradition and unique style of celebration have lived on through aeons and eventually got aggravated in the year 1984 when it was bequeathed with the title of Cochin Carnival of India.
This fervid fete regarded as Cochin Carnival is characterized by five principles namely peace, progress, environment, participation, and adventure. The Kochi Fort is adorned in such a delectable way that the on-lookers get spellbound instantaneously. Large flocks of enthusiastic native folks conglomerate here, clad in exotic colored attires to add that special touch to this magnanimous event.
This new year celebration in Kochi aims to decorate and celebrate Kerala as a bride. You can find decorations everywhere in the country. Events like Sea-Swimming, Beach Volleyball, Beach Football, and Beach Bike Race make the Cochin carnival more interesting and amusing. Even prizes are awarded to the competition winners. On New Year’s Day elephants are brought out on the roads and the tunes of the instrument known as ‘Panchavadyam’ reverberates throughout the city makes it the biggest new year celebration in Kochi.
When is the Cochin carnival held?
The Cochin Carnival is an annual festival held near Ernakulam during the last two weeks of December. It ends on 1st January every year. The event is held at Fort Kochi in Kochi. The vibrant festival is a beautiful fusion of traditional and modern, featuring music, dancing, food, and art.
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) organizes the annual festival. The Cochin Carnival was first held in 1984, which was the International Year of Youth. It was conceived as a cultural and secular event and was inspired by similar festivals held in British and Portuguese colonies and was preceded by the Portuguese new year celebrations. It is held to welcome the new year every year.
The themes of this festival were participation, development, peace, adventure, and environment. More than thirty-nine clubs get together to form the Carnival Committee under the chairmanship of the sub-collector. This committee runs the carnival annually.
The carnival opens on the second Sunday of December at the war memorial with the Ceremony of Peace and Solidarity. Following this, the carnival flag is unfurled at the Vasco Da Gama Square.
This event kicks off the two-week extravaganza. This festival consists of several events like food festivals, cultural shows, and sporting events like beach football, cycle races, bike races, etc. People participate in various events with great enthusiasm.
This is followed by a parade which goes on till dawn. This parade is led by a procession of elephants followed by performances, percussionists, dancers, floats, etc. This event concluded the Cochin Carnival.
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What makes Cochin Carnival Unique?
The Cochin Carnival is a vibrant and lively event that takes place in Kochi, Kerala, during the last week of December, leading up to New Year’s Day. Here are some compelling reasons to consider experiencing the Cochin Carnival:
1. Colorful Parades
The carnival kicks off with a grand parade featuring decorated floats, traditional dance performances, music bands, and various cultural displays. The lively atmosphere and vibrant colors create a festive mood that’s perfect for celebrating the New Year.
2. Cultural Extravaganza
The carnival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala through various art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, and more. It’s a fantastic opportunity to witness traditional performances and immerse yourself in the local arts.
3. Street Parties and Performances
The streets of Kochi come alive with music, dance, and street performances during the carnival. You’ll find local artists and musicians entertaining the crowds, creating a dynamic and energetic environment.
4. Fireworks Display
The New Year’s Eve in Kochi is marked by a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky. It’s a breathtaking sight and a perfect way to welcome the new year with a bang.
5. Competitions and Games
The carnival includes various competitions and games, adding an element of fun and excitement. From sports events to traditional games, there’s something for everyone to participate in or enjoy as a spectator.
6. Food Festivals
Kochi is known for its delicious cuisine, and during the Cochin Carnival, you’ll find numerous food stalls offering a wide variety of local delicacies. It’s a great opportunity to indulge in authentic Kerala dishes and street food.
7. Beach Parties
As part of the celebrations, many events and parties are organized along the beaches of Kochi. The combination of music, dance, and the sea breeze creates a unique and enjoyable experience.
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8. Local Markets and Shopping
The carnival attracts a lot of visitors, and local markets often set up stalls offering unique handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional products. It’s a great chance to do some shopping and take home memorable keepsakes.
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9. Historical and Cultural Exploration
Kochi is a city with a rich history and diverse cultural influences. While attending the carnival, you can also explore the historical landmarks, museums, and cultural sites that make Kochi a fascinating destination.
10. Welcoming Local Hospitality
The people of Kerala are known for their warm hospitality. During the Cochin Carnival, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals, participate in festivities, and experience the genuine friendliness of the community.
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Where to stay to enjoy Cochin Carnival?
There are several homestays close to Fort Kochi. Other Ernakulam town close by has many accommodation options at several budget points.
How to get to Kochi to enjoy Cochin Carnival?
Fort Kochi is around 12 km from Ernakulam junction which is connected extensively all over India. Kochi airport is 18 km from Kochi Fort.
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The Cochin Carnival is a unique blend of tradition, culture, and modern celebrations, making it an excellent choice for a memorable New Year’s experience. The Cochin Carnival seamlessly intertwines the tapestry of tradition, culture, and contemporary revelry, offering a one-of-a-kind New Year’s celebration. Its allure lies in the vibrant parades, showcasing Kerala’s artistic heritage, from classical dance to traditional arts. The pulsating street parties and eclectic performances fuse modern enthusiasm with age-old charm, creating a dynamic atmosphere. As the city illuminates with a dazzling fireworks spectacle, attendees indulge in local delicacies and engage in spirited competitions. This harmonious blend of the past and present, coupled with warm local hospitality, ensures an unforgettable and culturally rich experience, making the Cochin Carnival an ideal choice for ushering in the New Year.
