Caroling has always been part of traditional Goan Christmas celebrations.
In the old days carollers would serenade through the neighbourhoods spreading
the joy of the season as they go along. Keeping the custom of carol singing in
public spaces alive, last year’s Carol Trotters that comprised of a group of
friends returned with ‘Caroling for a Cause’.
This year the
organisers decided to create the session to raise funds for a charitable cause.
“Christmas is all about giving, reaching out to the needy and spreading smiles
wherever you go,” says Nicole Suares. “We raised Rs 2000 through our first
session and we will be organising a program for underprivileged children.”
John Lino D’Mello co
organiser added, ‘We started off as a fun activity that would bring people
together. The smiles on people’s faces when they see and hear about Christmas
are magical.’
This year the group
of 20 more carollers and musicians came in from Margao, Verna, Anjuna, Panjim
and Divar. The session was held in front of the Immaculate Conception Church.
Cecundita Picardo who
brought her kids Eshaan and Aanya along from Divar says that it offered her a
wonderful opportunity to be part of the beautiful atmosphere in Panjim. “It’s
hard to find a city like Panjim anywhere else, “she adds.
Also getting into the
festive spirit Saroja Carvalho who brought her little girl Sara with her says,
“The musical notes stirred up the feeling of Christmas and nostalgic memories
in a very homely atmosphere with the very beautifully lit Panjim Church.”
Blaise Luis who
joined the carollers from Ribandar, chimes ‘it’s beginning to feel like Christmas
singing carols with the old and young and musicians with their instruments
making it more fun that too for a good cause.’
“Happy souls brining
a smile this Christmas” is what Vinette D’Souza says who joined the group this
edition.
But the carollers
weren’t the only ones beaming with Christmas spirit. The jam session brought
musicians together as well.
Coincidently the
members from the brass band who had assembled at the space to play post the
novena service joined the carollers. Nixon Fernandes was on trumpet; Alden
Fernandes who was part of last year’s edition came in with his guitar. John
Lino and Andrew Ferrao kept everyone in tempo with their melodicas. Musician
Andrew Ferrao who rode in from Verna says, “After returning from Mumbai, this gave
me an opportunity to reconnect with the old traditions of carol singing after
nearly 20 years. I had a great time playing my melodica with other musicians.
