“We used to look forward to jumping into the well with our friends every São João,” said Roque Fernandes of Benaulim. “Now, the water is murky, and sometimes you can even smell chemicals. It’s not safe anymore.”
Traditionally, young men don floral headgear called kopels and sing folk songs before diving into village wells, symbolising the biblical baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. Today, however, this symbolic act is often replaced with makeshift alternatives – plastic tanks, inflatable pools, and even artificial rain showers.
For Jeron Colaco of Raia, the change is deeply disheartening. “Our village well used to be the heart of São João,” he said. “Now it’s covered for most of the year and barely maintained. People are worried about infections and contamination.”
Colourful decorated boats called Sangod wend their way at the boat parade organised by the Siolim Sao Joao Traditional Boat Festival and Cultural Organisation on the occasion of Sao Joao at Siolim, on Tuesday
This shift is more than a cultural adaptation; it's a stark indicator of environmental degradation. Locals point to poor waste management, unchecked chemical runoff, and general neglect as key reasons behind the pollution of traditional water sources.
“We’re losing more than just a tradition. We’re losing a connection to our land and our environment,” said Vitorino Fernandes of Nuvem. “São João is a celebration of water, of life. If the water isn’t safe, what are we celebrating?”
While artificial setups may help keep the festive spirit alive, many Goans fear the core of São João is being diluted. Community members are calling on the government to prioritize the cleaning and preservation of these heritage wells and ponds. Many advocate for systematic maintenance, stricter pollution control, and educational efforts around environmental stewardship.