Festivals in Goa

Festivals and events are held throughout the year in Goa. The most popular ones are the Goa Carnival, Christmas and the New Year Celebrations. Some of them you will find only in Goa, while the others are celebrated in different parts of the country as well, such as Holi and Diwali. Many of the festivals have its roots in Goa’s colonial Portuguese past. Hindu festivals are also very popular as the people believe in ethnic and cultural diversity.

Goa Carnival

Held in the end of February, it is a colorful festival with soulful music, interesting costumes, processions, and extravagant dances. The Carnival was introduced by the Portuguese and since then, it has become an annual event. The Catholics celebrate it as the Pre-Lenten festival. They don’t eat meat for 40 days up to Easter. Not just the Catholics, everyone enjoys the Carnival in Goa. Many tourists come to Goa to see the colorful floats, processions, and be a part of the happy festivities.

Christmas & New Year

December 31st midnight is a big event in Goa. There are celebrations everywhere – in the nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, beach shacks, hotels, and resorts. The celebrations start from Christmas Day and continue into January 1st. There is music and dancing. It reaches the peak as the clock strikes 12. Many go to the churches and chapels to pray on Christmas Eve. A mass is held. The local homes are decorated with lights. Many homes also light up the “Christmas star”. Various Goan foods like nevreo, dodol, bebinca, kulkuls are served.

Sao Joao Festival

The Sao Joao Festival is a tribute to St. John the Baptist. It is a religious event but with a fun twist, which makes it unique. Everyone wears fancy dresses and jumps in lakes, rivers, and ponds. This is a symbolic gesture because St. John leapt with joy when he heard about the birth of Jesus Christ. The locals wear masks, unique headgear, and throw gifts into the water, which the kids retrieve. A boat race is held on the Chapora River. Various boats, decorated with leaves and flowers arrive from Arambol, Anjuna, Badem and other places. Many are also decorated like sea creatures, birds, guitar, snakes, dragons, mythical animals, and fruit baskets. The festival is held on 24th June.

St Francis Xavier Feast

The feast is held at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa in late November or early December. It is held to honor St Francis Xavier. The attending pilgrims hold 9 days of Novenas before the feast. December 3rd is the day when he was buried. His body is kept in a silver casket in the church. There is also a fare where you will find clothing, toys, and many types of foods.

Shigmo Festival

The colorful Shigmo festival is held in March or April. A 5-day cultural event is held where you will find singing and dancing. Folk dancers in colorful costumes display their talents. There are colorful floats too that display regional mythology. It is an opportunity for the tourists to witness Goa’s rich traditions and culture.

Sunburn Festival

Sunburn is Asia’s largest festival of dance and music. It is also the world’s third largest dance festival. Held in Vagator in October, Sunburn hosts an eclectic mix of music and entertainment. Dance to the rhythms of energetic and soulful music. There are movie screenings and Karaoke sessions as well. There is a flea market as well.

Diwali and Holi are also celebrated in Goa, though they are mostly North Indian festivals.