Efforts are underway to bring back the glory days of Margao and the recently concluded ‘Margao Tinto’ managed to recapture the spirit of the olden days.
The tinto was organised by Clube Harmonia de Margao that was known as the centre for cultural, literary and artistic activities. Through such activities, the club is trying revive the strong culture Goa had in the yester years by attracting the youth back to the club.
“The Managing committee was looking at different ways of getting people together to interact and share ideas. We managed to do this through the Margao Tinto,” said Clube President Ameet Pinto.
“Every Goan village had a Tinto where fresh local produce from the village was brought and sold. As the ‘Mall Culture’ gobbles up vestiges of our past, Clube Harmonia de Margao tries to rekindle the atmosphere at Margao Tinto with live music, local food, and a vibrant array of homemade craft. It was a resounding success,” said Hansel Vaz, proprietor of Cazulo Premium Feni, who had a stall at the Tinto.
What’s interesting to note is that beyond the professional stalls, there were many families that had kiosks selling homemade items which was reminiscent of the Tinto concept.
There were 23 non-professional and 7 professional stalls at the Tinto. Vendors came from all over Goa including Mapusa, Porvorim, Panjim and Divar.
Marta Silveira from Divar brought her homemade products like Xarope the Brindao (Cocum Syrup) which was sold out within an hour of the Tinto opening. She also sold vinegar, Goan Halwa and homemade pickles.
Maria Do Ceu from Cansaulim sold her homemade wines. Karishma Alvares from Loutolim had a painting station for kids who were entertained while their parents shopped at the Tinto.
Carrieann Furtado from Verna, who was the youngest participant, had a tattoo station and displayed her art work.
Nandita Costa, a doctor turned baker, had appetising homemade delicacies for sale. Sandra and Divya Pinto, a mother daughter team, displayed homemade chocolates.
In addition, to keep up to the Tinto spirit, the organizers had arranged different stalls to sell cutlet pao, choris pao, etc.
“Big Names like Chef Vasquito Alvares, Chef Avinash Martin from Tizumi Chirag Naik from R-Omle understood our concept and wanted to be a part of the event. Whoever we approached did not turn us down. Sky High band did a fabulous job by playing nonstop for 4 hours as the crowd was just amazing,” added Ameet.
“The tinto was conceptualised to promote young entrepreneurs in the field of food, art and entertainment. We had amateurs and professionals put up food stalls selling various kinds of cuisine. We had young and budding artists display and sell their work. It was fun to see these people who took so much trouble to set up their stalls being supported by the lovely crowd that came for the tinto,” said Jonathan Costa, Secretary, Clube Harmonia.
“Clube Harmonia is famous for weddings and parties. The newly elected managing committee wants to think out of the box and conduct more constructive programmes,” added Ameet.
Elaborating about their plans, Assistant Secretary Ian Menezes highlighted the club’s recent initiatives such as the Friday Forums where talks and workshops have been conducted and well attended. “We have some amazing programmes lined up, we have a standup comedy show mid-July for the first time. We’re planning a Goan food festival and Konkani music night sometime soon and will also conduct Whist drive and Housie on Sunday evenings at the club during the monsoons,” added Ian.
