While Goa was
host to varied New Year celebrations
over the cusp of December 31 and January 1, Ribandar brought in 2019 with the
Serenade. On the January 1, 2019, a beautiful event steeped in tradition took
place at Ribandar. While people around the globe welcomed the New Year with
their own customs, the people of Ribandar did so with the Serenade, an age old
tradition that entails beautiful floats, music and dancing, in a village veiled
in lights and decorations. Joining them in their merry celebrations was former
Mayor of CCP Yatin Parekh, who was the Chief Guest, as well as people from
across the state and tourists as well.
Parekh congratulated the people of Ribandar for preserving the
tradition, which he said was an example of how Ribandar has always managed to
keep alive the long traditions and culture of the state. Parekh also flagged
off the floats that went across the scenic village, in the presence of
Committee President Michael Fernandes, Secretary Ruzario D’Souza, Treasurer
Joseph Rodrigues, chief artist Maurice Fernandes, artist Milagres Fernandes,
coordinator and artist Sailesh Salaonkar and Adv Sahish Mahambrey.
According
to the organisers, the main reason behind continuing Serenade is to keep their
identity and unity intact.
