The historic Latin quarters of St Tome and Fontainhas in the capital city are set to come alive with a vibrant cultural celebration as they gear up to host the first edition of ‘Festa do Povo’ (People’s Festival) later this month.
In a collective effort, renowned musicians, culinary artists, restaurateurs, aspiring artists, and citizens have united to organize this cultural extravaganza, aiming to revive the ancient cultural charm of the region. Supported by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), the festival will be financed through crowdfunding.
The festival will unfold at Fontainhas’ St Sebastian ward on December 9 from 7 pm to 10 pm and at the Sao Tome ward on December 10 from 6 pm to 10 pm.
On the first day, the St Sebastian ward will resonate with the soulful tunes of folk music, featuring performances by Carlos Meneses from ‘Ekchar,’ a group deeply rooted in the locale. Ekchar will enchant the audience with a repertoire ranging from mandos and dulpods to popular Konkani and Portuguese urban folk music known as fados. Musicians like Francis Paul Menezes, a distinguished member of The Riffs band, will take centre stage, presenting a fusion of Goan art, heritage, and culture through Konkani and Portuguese music.
The venues will feature stalls offering delectable food inspired by Indo-Portuguese influences. These culinary delights will be meticulously prepared and presented by the residents of the respective wards, adding a touch of authenticity to the overall experience.
The festival will also host an open-air art exhibition showcasing the talent of approximately 20 artists. The entire locality, including heritage residential homes, will be adorned with captivating artworks. Students from the Goa College of Art will contribute to the visual spectacle by displaying their creative expressions.
As the city eagerly awaits the ‘Festa do Povo,’ this initiative promises to be a harmonious blend of music, art, culinary traditions, and community spirit, creating a memorable experience that transcends generations. Join in celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of St Tome and Fontainhas at this inaugural festival, where the past meets the present in a colourful mosaic of creativity and heritage.
