Sao Joao is a festival specific to Goa in the country that is also celebrated all over the world. It commemorates the Feast of St. John the Baptists. People flock around places like Siolim, Anjuna, Candolim and Calangute to watch exhilarating boat races and munch on local delicacies such as homemade patoleos, sannaas and a variety of seasonal fruit. Apart from the food and snacks, the beverages served were typical Goan specialties like feni, urrak, nero and assortment of child-friendly drinks. “The preparations for Sao Joao start days in advance and my grandmother makes it a point to include everyone in making all the fancy treats and Kopels. It really brings us together as a family and I have so many fun memories”, said Rowena Rodrigues a student.
Sao Joao festivities
reverberated at Barebhatt, Raia on Friday as revellers attired in colourful
costumes’ and wearing the Copel (Crown) celebrated the festival in a
traditional manner
Flower adorned
crowns, locally known as Kopels, are meticulously crafted by the young and old
of the community and worn by revellers which denotes the crown of martyrdom of
St John the Baptist. Many traditions were passed down the generations of Goans
but have recently been overcome with the modernity of parties that line the
coastal region of our State. It is immensely popular in the North of Goa where
even tourists party with as much gusto and enthusiasm as our locals. Shimei
Nathan, student, explained how parties were also an element that couldn’t be
left out of the celebration. She said, “Since its Goa, parties are only
essential in festivals like these and the number has certainly risen in Goa
since the Pandemic ended but they’re super fun. It was important to be safe
while jumping around in wells!” Not only is it a festival where Christians
celebrate their feast but people from all religious backgrounds participate in
the festival as one people, Goans. Shubham Naik, also a student, shared his Sao
Joao experience participating in a festival of another culture. He said, “I
don’t feel like it’s a festival just for Catholics or Christians, at least
that’s how Goa is. We always celebrate every festival together. In the end, all
Goans are brothers and sisters and having fun together is more important than
segregating one another.” Celebrations were also held at Ganvchem Bhatt,
Merces.
This
is a celebration that happens only once a year and encapsulates the full
experience of what it’s like being a Goan. Festivities like these are what
shows that Goa is much more than just picturesque beaches and has a lot in
store with regards to its blooming heritage and culture which has recently been
coming into the global eye.