Dolcy D’Cruz
Music forms the heartbeat of Sao Joao celebrations in Goa, adding colour, energy and meaning to this unique monsoon festival celebrating St John the Baptist. For generations, festive songs honouring St John the Baptist have echoed through villages as groups of young men visit homes, celebrate community bonds and share in the joy of the season. Today, alongside these cherished traditions, newly released Konkani Sao Joao songs on social media continue to keep the festive spirit alive.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
FATORDA
Among the new musical releases celebrating São João this year is ‘Sao Joao’ by Bindasol Boyzzz. Released on the group’s YouTube channel, the song features a catchy tune accompanied by visuals of celebrating Goa’s traditional way of life. Bindasol Boyzzz comprises seven to eight young men from Chandrawado, Fatorda, who are using music and performance to showcase their talent while promoting local cultural traditions. The song is composed and sung by Aloyd Pereira, with music and recording by Felipe Barreto and videography and aerial cinematography by Jovin Jack Dias. The song was inspired by a desire to highlight the true essence of São João while addressing some of the concerns associated with present-day celebrations. “There are many songs dedicated to Sao Joao but people only sing the song which Oluv sang which is a tribute to C Alvares. However, I have observed that many songs included the tradition of leaping into wells and consuming alcohol. I needed to give a message to stop these two activities and enjoy the festivities. To conclude the song, I urge people not to drink and jump in the well because many people are dying due to these activities. We have rich traditions instead of rain dance and pool parties and need to go back to traditional celebrations,” says Aloyd Pereira, who wrote the song within two days. Beyond creating songs, the group is also actively involved in preserving Goa’s traditional musical heritage through community initiatives. “We founded Bindasoll Boyzzz to upload our songs and comedy skits. We also started a traditional ghumot and kasai band. We are trying to d save our musical tradition. We also teach children to play as our elders taught us. On Sao Joao, our band will be playing for the festivity at Cansaulim,” adds Aloyd.
AROSSIM
Another musical offering for Sao Joao 2026 is ‘Viva São João’, with lyrics by Fr Myron Jeson Barreto, tune by Fexson Colaco and music by Lenoy Gomendes. The song features the voices of Lucy Pereira, Joseph Barbosa, Joyd Antao, Dylan Mascarenhas, Akishia Fernandes, Anora Pereira and Derina Azavedo. Inspired by the annual São João celebrations at St Lawrence Chapel, Arossim, the music video was conceived as a community effort that brought together villagers of all ages. Children, youth and senior citizens enthusiastically participated in the project, making it a true reflection of the festive spirit and unity that characterise the celebration. Speaking about the initiative, Fr Myron Jeson Barreto says, “Every year, we celebrate Sao Joao at St. Lawrence Chapel, Arrosim. With this tradition in mind, I thought it would be wonderful to involve the entire village in the video. The children, youth, and elderly were all excited to participate. The villagers themselves planned and executed everything. My role was simply to write the song and share it with them. They discussed the concept, planned the activities, and designed every aspect of the video. What makes it even more special is that the entire project came together with just one week of preparation.” He emphasises on the role of music in engaging the younger generation and helping them connect with the festival’s spiritual and cultural values. According to him, music serves as a meaningful way to encourage youth participation while keeping celebrations rooted in faith and tradition. He says, “Music is an important way to connect with young people and help them embrace the festive spirit. It encourages them to come together and celebrate our traditions in a meaningful way, rather than seeking entertainment elsewhere. Through music, they can appreciate and participate in the values and customs that are part of Catholic life.
AGONDA
Konkani song ‘Sao Joao Fuloum ya’ is written by Fr Cruzberto Da Silva Colaço, SFX, assistant priest at St Anne’s Church, Agonda. The song features music by Anson Fernandes and Fevan Cruz, with recording and mastering by Fevan Cruz at Pilar Music Academy (Shub Sandesh). The music video was shot by Ansico Fernandes, edited by Quinesha Fernandes and Frazel Fernandes, with drone footage by Ansley Fernandes. The song is rendered by Fr Cruzberto Da Silva Colaço, SFX, along with Renzia Fernandes, Anthea Fernandes, Melbourne Fernandes, Greyna Fernandes and Placid Gomes. Having earlier written his first song for the musical event, Nightingale of Goa 2026, Fr Cruzberto, wanted this project to reflect the inclusive and community-oriented spirit of the festival. The music video features the active participation of youth, children and senior citizens, whose enthusiasm is evident throughout the production. Young people took responsibility for several aspects of the video-making process. Fr Cruzberto says, “The shooting, videography, editing and even the choreography is done by the youth only. There are also some Hindu students of our school, St Anne’s Institute who are dancing and playing the ghumot in the song. I wrote the song in May and we took three to four days for the shoot. We showcased the traditional aspects of Sao Joao and I also wanted to add some elements like Mother Mary meeting Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.” He further adds, “At that time too, there were many social issues and besides announcing the arrival of Jesus, St John the Baptist raised his voice even against Herod. We should imbibe his quality of raising our voice against injustice happening in the present scenario. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘tallo ubharum-ya, São João Fuloum-ya’.
SIOLIM
Sylwester Fernandes Production House has presented the new official English-Konkani song music video, ‘Viva Sao Joao’. The song is composed and sung by Sylwester Fernandes, who has also written the lyrics and handled the music recording, mixing and mastering under the banner of Sylwester Fernandes Production House. For Sylwester, a native of Siolim, the feast of São João holds a special place in his heart. The month of June is particularly significant, with the village first celebrating the feast of St Anthony, followed by the traditional feast of Sao Joao, a festival he has cherished since childhood. “Every year, Sao Joao reminds me of my childhood days and how we used to gear up for this beautiful festival to jump into the wells and ponds by wearing the Kopel made with different flowers. I truly miss and remember all our ancestors who motivated us towards this lovely festival celebration of Sao Joao, a unique style celebration in different Goan village,” reminisces Sylwester. Having worked abroad for many years, Sylwester has consistently sought to keep the spirit of São João alive through music by releasing festive songs dedicated to the occasion. “I released four tradition Sao Joao songs in English and Konkani with my first ‘Viva Sao Joao’ song crossing over 100,000 views on my YouTube Channel. The latest release is also titled “Viva Sao Joao”, an English – Konkani version for 2026.” He adds, “I have composed all these Sao Joao tracks trying to keep the Sao Joao celebration in upbeat mood. These songs blend the festive spirit of Sao Joao traditionally marked by music, dance, and celebration in Goa and other Konkani speaking communities with my signature devotional and gospel inspired style.”
