Celebrated on August 20, World Goa Day celebrations around the world are held right from the month of July to November. With the Goan diaspora selecting dates according to their days of celebrations, it is a joy to see the ongoing celebrations. From picnics in the parks to arenas full of Goans, every place had its unique celebrations to mark the day. With the love for Konkani, World Goa Day brings Goan traditions, culture, art, music, dance and cuisine to the fore.
Aberdeen, SCOTLAND
The United Goans of Aberdeen (UGA) hosted World Goa Day 2024 at the Madri Lounge, AFC Pittodrie Stadium, attracting a sell-out crowd of nearly 300 attendees. The celebration drew guests from as far as Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, and even Dubai, highlighting its widespread appeal.
The evening commenced with an opening song performed by the Goan community, composed by Arsenal Dais followed by a performance by Goan band ‘7 Notes Band’, who travelled all the way from Goa to bring an authentic slice of Goan culture to Aberdeen. DJs Ethax, Ron, and Johnson kept the dance floor. A captivating violin rendition was performed by Chris Rodrigues.
The night featured a mesmerizing dance by Jovi Gomes and Mihaila Estrocio, Jessica's solo performance and a kids' dance. Director Francisco De Sa was felicitated by community member Arsenal Dias. Director Noel Fernandes presented Francisco with a shawl and memento.
Mississauga, CANADA
The Goan Overseas Association (GOA), celebrated the Viva Goa Festival, one of the largest South Asian Festivals in the Greater Toronto Area which also included Indo-Luso cultures, bringing together Indian, Brazilian, Portuguese cultures. The event had three stages with live performances including Remo Fernandes & The Microwave Papadums, Fadista Sonia Shirsat accompanied by Allan Abreu, musical duo Tammy & Roy, Konkani pop sensation O’Luv, Goa’s renowned music director Norman Cardozo, New Zealand’s Goan Jazz maestro Ben & Josh Fernandez and UK’s energetic singer and guitarist Bismarc.
Headed by president of the Goan Overseas Association, Selwyn Collaco, the event in Ontario brought in the best of musical performances with Goan Canadian performer/violinist Grenville Pinto, leading bands Blindfold Test, The Band Syndicate, Bootleggers, DesertStorm, Monkey Business and Goa Amigos. An extensive selection of dishes representing the diverse culinary traditions of the Indo-Luso cultures as well as a showcase of paintings by Goan artists and books published by Goan authors.
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND
The Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre was transformed into a lively slice of Goa as the annual World Goa Day celebration, hosted by GOANZ, brought nearly 300 people together to honour their Goan heritage. The evening’s theme, ‘Country Western,’ was brilliantly showcased in the hall's decor, with a barn-themed backdrop complete with a wine barrel, hay bales, and guitars.
A highlight of the evening was the performance by the youth group, The 5 Stars, featuring Ariane Cordeiro, Gianna Cordeiro, Chelsea Silveira, Malaika Pereira, and Angelo D’Souza on the accordion. Their medley of Portuguese and Konkani tunes captivated the audience, and everyone joined in for a spirited rendition of ‘Ami Soglim Ek’ by Alfred Rose. The Bootscootin Line Dancers, led by Karen, got the crowd on their feet for a lively line dancing session.
Traditional Goan cuisine, including Goan ros chicken, veg pulao, salad, and a delightful caramel creamy bread pudding was served. The GOANZ committee Lazarus Serrao, Lydia Quadros, Nerissa Gonsalves, Sushila Pinto, Naomi Noronha, Ashley Rodrigues, Calisto Vaz, and Joel Pereira worked with dedication in making the event a grand success.
Borivali, Mumbai, INDIA
Susegad Goans, Borivali, Mumbai celebrated World Goa Day, which saw around 40 Goans from Borivali gathered at Boscowadi, Gorai. The event began with a bus ride to the venue, as revellers sang well known Goan Mandos and Dulpods, along the way. This was their very first World Goa Day celebration.
After a home cooked breakfast, Edward Verdes, a well-known Alfred Rose Fan and ardent lover of Konkani music, shared with the gathering what World Goa Day is all about.
The day’s activities included a quiz about Goan culture and on Konkani films. Participants also enjoyed watching a ‘Corridhino’ Portuguese dance performance, followed by melodious foot tapping and treasured Goan music by DJ Germano. Lunch was a wonderful spread of various home cooked Goan dishes including traditional Goan Dodol and other sweets, prepared by the members. The evening continued with singing of various Goan Mandos and Dulpods.
Victoria, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
Goan Overseas Association of Victoria, Australia celebrated World Goa Day with a food festival. Dancing to Konkani songs and relishing Goan traditional food, the Goans based in Victoria enjoyed the day by celebrating everything Goan. Led by Annabelle Henriques, president of GOAV, the committee celebrated the tenth World Goa Day with its first food festival. Sorpotel, san’na, xacuti, bebinca, choris pao to relish. With the focus on teaching the young generation in Australia Goan songs, the committee also created GOAV Singalong Lyrics for the participants.
Dubai, UAE
Neville Menezes, Allen Fernandes, and Billy Fernandes of the Dubai Goans—a trio renowned for curating some of the most lively and memorable Goan events in the Emirates headed this year’s World Goa Day celebrations. QD’s, Dubai Creek Resort – Hyatt was the venue to celebrate 25 years of World Goa Day. Performing live were Lorna – Nightingale of Goa, Goan band True Blue, Rita Rose along with Engel and Al (Family of Goa’s Melody King Alfred Rose), DJ Ryan Nogar and DJ Joel along with Dubai’s top talents – DJ Benson, DJ Manfred, MC Hansel and MC Bonnie.
Doha, QATAR
On November 22, Goan Welfare Association in Doha is set to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of World Goa Day 2024. Under the leadership of president Simon D’Silva, World Goa Day 2024 will be celebrated with traditional pomp and splendor at Treffen House Hotel (Ex-Sofitel/Ex-Mercure Grand Hotel), Doha from 7 pm onwards. Star performers are all the way from Goa, duo live band Ryan N Naisa. DJ Nelson from Doha will provide hip-hop and some scintillating dancing numbers.