The Hilton Community Centre of Aberdeen, Scotland, was fully kitted out in carnival attire, thanks to the efforts of Juonita Fernandes and the Goan Carnival descended on Scottish soil. Hosted by the United Goans of Aberdeen (UGA), a community group within Aberdeen, whose aim is to coordinate a range of fun and exciting social activities for the wider local community and as a by-product, introduce the Goan culture and heritage through their events. In Aberdeen, there is a sizeable Goan community of about 400-500, the largest in Scotland.
Hosted by Swizel Gomes and Venissa Fernandes, on behalf of the UGA, the event was opened up by the samba dancers of Aberdeen’s Charem Events, followed by a parade marking the arrival of King Momo in Aberdeen, played by Arsenal Dias, where he accepted an honorary key to the city by Francisco De Sa, founder of the UGA, and thus officially commencing the festival of Carnival.
During this parade, the dancers showcased their famous dance moves whilst dawning traditional carnival attire, dripping in glitter and neon colours. The event drew in a crowd over 150 people. Members of the United Goans of Aberdeen community choreographed performances to the enthusiastic crowd in attendance. The ‘Kumbi dance’ choreographed by Muriel Gomes dietwas performed by Tals Rodrigues, Senta Martins, Juonita Fernandes, Cynthia De Sa and Sharmila Godinho followed by a comedy performance by Senta Martins and Wilky Desouza of Robin Vaz and Antonette’s of ‘Pipirmitt’. A further entertaining performance by Cynthia De Sa and Caitano Azavedo of Alfred Rose and Rita Rose’s ‘Kelliwalli and Santrawala’ was also showcased on the night.
A kids fancy dress contest was held with a selection of prizes for the 25-30 participants. Awards were distributed on the night for select individuals who most exemplified the spirit of carnival. These included awards best dressed, best dancers, along with a handful of prizes for a raffle, some party games and quick round of Housie where a grand prize of an airfryer was won.
A hearty selection of authentic Goan dishes, by caterers Crispy Treats, with chicken cafrael, pork vindaloo, veg korma, mixed beans curry, rice and Goan Salad, fuelled the crowd as they danced the night away. Rulston De Sa of the UGA said, “The lively fusion of Latin and Goan music played during the event, by DJ Ethax, led to a rave that will be remembered. The organising committee truly created an atmosphere encompassing the magical energy that is the celebration of carnival!”