If you’re feeling lackluster this Christmas season or just want to be a part of every happening
gig in town, you mustn’t miss the MADE IN SALIGAO market that was established
by the women of Saligao to promote products made by them. From a veritable list
of favourite Goan Christmas sweets, wines, baked items to handmade gift items
like soaps, candles, macrame and decoupage products, crochet accessories, stars
and local rice and beans grown in Saligao, this community market is unique and
has been going strong since 2019.
A special Christmas market is being held
on December 21 with the intent to help shoppers get all they require for
Christmas, under one roof. Says Aquilla Fernandes, head organiser, “We, in
Saligao, are very proud of this market that gives our villagers a platform to
showcase their talent. It makes us happy to see this market get popular and
grow each year.” With a live band and singers Paul and Leandra, the father-daughter
duo from the village itself, the market feels like a slice of life from the
past, bringing the Goan cultural ethos of the past to the fore.
Continues Aquilla, “We’ve celebrated Valentine’s Day and Women’s
Day in the past which were received very well. In a similar vein, we are
certain the Christmas market will be a celebration of the festive spirit. We
have planned for unique handmade decor items and hampers and carol singing.
There are many local Goan homemade Christmas sweets on sale which are unlike
what you get in commercial markets. Dodol, Bebinca, Baath, Doce, Coconut dos,
milk cream, fruit cakes including Gons, a candied tender coconut sweet – you
will find it all here.”
If
it’s the season to be jolly, then supporting this village initiative and
getting into the swing of Christmas cheer, seems just the prescribed dose for a
fun Christmas season.
