Feast of Saint Francis Xavier: The feast is celebrated on Old Goa. Christmas: Celebrated everywhere in Goa, Music, dancing and fireworks follow late-night mass. Fiesta dos Reis: Procession of young boys decked out as the Three kings. The Procession goes to the Franciscan chapel of Reis Magos, near Panjim, 3 km east of Fort Aguada. Other processions are held at Candelim and Chandor. Shantadurga Prasann: The Hindu festival of Shantadurga Prasann is celebrated with much gaiety and fanfare at the small village of Fatorpa, South of Margoa in January. There is a night procession of chariots bearing the goddess and as many as 100,000 people flock to the festival. The Shri Bodgeshwar Yatra or temple festival takes place just south of Mapusa. Carnival: Goa carnival is one of the most enthusiastic celebrations of western style in India. A hot favorite among revellers all around the world, the Goan carnival is known for its riotous merrymaking. You will be entertained thoroughly with beautifully decorated floats, live music and dancing of many ethnic origins. Specialty of this carnival is the rich blend of cultures and religions that is seldom witnessed anywhere else. Although, the three-day festival is primarily celebrated by Christians, it has also absorbed Hindu tradition revelry, western dance forms, and turned into a pageantry of sorts. Though it started as a celebration enjoyed only by the local population, it has today crossed the state frontiers and attracts thousands of people from all over the country.Carnival in Goa is a non-stop 3-day festival of colour, song and music, creating a healthy entertainment for all, young and old. The soothing climate, full of fun- 'n' -frolic, which the Carnival generates, is much longed for . Shigmo: The Goan Version of Holi is celebrated with big parades and crowds. Drum and dance groups compete and parade through the streets. Easter Sunday & Easter Monday: All saints on the fifth Monday of lent, twenty-six effigies of saints, martyrs, popes kings, queens, and cardinals are paraded around the village of Velha Goa, near Panjim. A fair also takes place. |