Cultures Of Goa

Festivals in Goa

Fairs and Festivals in Goa are really a refreshing experience for the town dwellers as well as the visitors to the enchanting beach town. Various festivals and events in Goa are celebrated with all the pomp and show. The long list of the most-popular Fairs and Festivals includes Monsoon Festival Goa, Christmas & New Year Celebrations in Goa and the Festival of Three Kings Feast. Goa Christmas Celebrations and New Year Celebrations are world famous and people from across the world come and enjoy the glamour of these memorable moments. The most-awaited Goa Carnival Festival 2012 was celebrated last February.

The Goa Carnival

This three-day festival was introduced by the Portuguese in the 18th century, who ruled over Goa for around five hundred years. Among all the colorful feasts and festivals that are celebrated in Goa, the Goa Carnival is the most eagerly awaited event. Full of colour, music, dance and enthusiasm, the Goa Carnival is celebrated by people from any and every religion with traditional revelries and even western dance forms.

The word Carnival (Carnaval in Portuguese) is derived from a Latin word meaning ‘to take away meat’ and is known for feasting, drinking and merrymaking, prior to the austere 40 days of Lent. The carnival has been celebrated since the 18th century when the legendary king Momo took over the state and the streets came alive with music and color.

Feast Of Three Kings

Another traditional festival of Goa, the Feast of Three Kings is celebrated to show reverence to the Lady of Mount. All the communities of Goa collectively offer their prays to the Lady of Mount, who is considered the protector of the people. It is also believed that she blesses married couples with children and fulfills any wish made at her chapel. On the occasion of Festa dos Reis or the Epiphany on January 6 every year, people decorate her idol with jewellery and seek her blessings.

This traditional festival is quite popular in the villages of Reis Magos, Cansaulim, Chandor, Quelim and Arrosim. Three little boys perform the re-enactment of the three kings arriving with gifts for the Baby Christ. It gives you an enchanting opportunity to explore the traditional living of the Goan people through the fair, with several stalls of toys, mats, handicrafts, metal items, bangles, sweets, spices, clothes and furniture.