Abu Dhabi: Viva Carnival Proves to be Grand Goan Show
Media Release
Abu Dhabi, Mar 21: The Abu Dhabi Goans, in association with Bin Al Mas Advertising, celebrated the festive gala of the carnival with smashing success. ‘Viva Carnival 2011’, which is in its fourth successive year since it was started, was marked by a mood of celebration, pomp, and splendour. The afternoon sizzled with the golden voice of melody queen, Lorna from Goa. She was accompanied by Norman on his keyboard. The event was hosted on Friday March 4 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Abu Dhabi, with more than 250 guests in attendance.
In tune with the theme of the carnival, the guests were dressed in their best finery in the colours of red and black. The ballroom was well-decorated with red and black balloons and flowing satin curtains, which gave the event its festive ambience.
The crowd welcomed the carnival float with lot of thrill and excitement. King Momo entered the hall with great gusto, and led his entourage while dancing, singing, and greeting all the guests. He was cheered on by his troupe and his followers with party poppers, pom poms and shrilling sound makers. King Momo opened the carnival celebrations and thanked all the people for their support and enthusiasm. He wished the crowd good health, happiness and peace in their hearts for ever. He also gave a message to all the Goans to save Goa from the clutches of corrupt politicians, land grabbers and fraudulent builders, warning that the land may be lost forever if the Goans fail to act now.
The sensational duo of Yelston Fernandes and Edlin Amorin took the crowd through different levels of dancing entertainment, as they rendered a range of assorted songs, to satisfy the musical palate of each and every guest gathered to celebrate this great event. The crowd responded with equal zest, by rocking the floor from the beginning to the end, taking a breather only at the given breaks.
The ‘Nightingale of Goa’, Lorna, was welcomed among the crowd with great enthusiasm. She was escorted to the stage in a decorated chariot by King Momo and his strong men, amidst the sounds of loud cheers and party poppers going all over the hall. Norman added more flavour by playing some pulsating music on his keyboard. Lorna started off by thanking the Almighty with her first song ‘Dennem’, – A Gift from God, powered by the voice she has been blessed with to sing over the years. The song was composed by Nevis Olivera from Raia.
The master of ceremonies for the evening was the well-renowned compere, Joaquim DSouza. He welcomed the guests and kept them entertained, handing out lots of gifts in the form of spot prizes and lucky draws. Novelty prizes were also given out to the lucky ones with prized gifts and masks, hats and cups. The Jive Competition saw all the dancers burning the dance floor. Dean and Sana Fernandes took away the prize for the best jivers on the floor. The tiny tots enthusiastically participated in the fancy dress competition, parading in colourful and creative costumes. Jadyn Jaques, dressed as a pirate, won the prize meant for the best costume.
The sponsors for the event, ‘Our Travel Partners’ - Air India, was supported by Abu Dhabi Travel Bureau. Main sponsors of the event were Mussadam Electricals, and Noah’s Ark, while silver sponsors were My Money Invest, NMC, UAE Exchange, Nihal Restaurant, Leens Kindergarten, Quality Fabricator, Capital Scaffolding, ADMMI, Aloft Hotel, Emirates Adventure Tours & Travels, Ajanta Jewellery, Philips (Gulf Electronics), Cajetan, Richard D’souza, and Ahmed Al Junaibi, duly supported by Bin Al Mas Advertising.
The organizers of Viva Carnival – John Fernandes, Joaquim DSouza and Jamesperry Rodrigues, thanked each and every person involved, in making the event such a smashing success.
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