On the January 1, 2016, people around the
globe welcomed the new year with their own customs. The people of Ribandar did
so with Serenade, an age old tradition with entails beautiful floats, music and
dancing, in a village veiled in lights and decorations. Joining them in their
merry celebrations was noted artist Francisco Martin, who was the chief guest,
as well as people from across the state, and tourists as well.
Serenade started at Ribandar Fondvem, and
made it’s way to Ribandar Patto, before heading to Sao Pedro and ultimately
culminating at Fondvem.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Speaking about the 102-year-old tradition,
Michael Fernandes, ex-swimming coach turned examiner of customs and the
President of New Year’s Serenade 2016, said, “The main reason behind continuing
Serenade is to keep our identity and unity intact. The entire village takes
part in this. Every wado in Ribandar, and a lot of people from in and
around Fondvem get together to make the floats and decorate the village. People
of different faiths happily participate in the event. Serenade keeps us
united,” Michael explained with pride.
The floats were created under the guidance
of accomplished artist Maurice Fernandes, the designated art director of
Serenade and a perfectionist whose floats often grace the carnival. “These
floats took no less than a week of diligent work to finish,” Michael said,
adding, “We had three floats and a live band this year. The main float was on environment
and ‘start today save tomorrow’ was the message it bore; the purpose was to
create awareness regarding the cutting of trees, and urge people to save them.
The other two were on Forca Goa and a rooster waking people up in the morning.”
As part of the celebrations, appreciation
prizes were also given posthumously to the people who had kept this tradition
alive in the 1950s. Michael reminisced, saying, “Due to lack of funds, the
tradition had almost come to an end around that period, but some fishermen got
together to keep it going. so to honour and remember them, these prizes were
given out.”
This time around, Michael, who has been on
Francisco Martin’s floats during carnivals, had to sit back and deal with the
responsibilities that come with being the President of the event. “The
government was very supportive of it all; they immediately gave us the
permissions we asked for. Even police and security was provided to us to make
sure it all ran smoothly. Since we are keeping alive a tradition and providing
a tourist attraction, the government accommodates us. We have never needed
financial grants before but from next year, we are considering applying for the
same in order to make Serenade a bigger success. Till date, the funds were
donations made by the people of Fondvem and the Raibondkars living abroad who
sent in large contributions. There is never an issue with funding since neither
the band nor any of the artists charge us; in fact, they contribute towards the
expenses,” he concluded, proud of his people and their dedication to the cause.
