“There is one very unique aspect of Christmas – the depiction of the nativity and solemnity of the birth of Jesus. Goans bring out this aspect uniquely and one cannot miss a crib trail. We are making it part of an itinerary this December end,” Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said.
The department has decided to place life-sized images of the Holy Family and Baby Jesus in the manger against very unique backdrops, Christmassy music and Santa Claus at different locations. The cribs, to be unveiled at midnight after the Christmas Eucharistic celebrations, will be open for viewing from Christmas day till January 6, 2017.
The minister stated that South Goa has an amazing display of such cribs and one would need at least a week to cover up a crib trail starting from Verna, Nuvem, Cansaulim, Velsao, Curtorim, Quepem, Velim, Cuncolim and up to Canacona.
In North Goa, one can view cribs in Panjim, St Cruz, Taleigao, Porvorim, Mapusa, Saligao and Calangute among other places. “Year after year, the cribs are getting more creative and innovative. While some continue to blend with environment and green concepts, others have used latest technologies and electronic devices to animate the cribs. Soothing illumination and music, elaborate décor and a well maintained queue system enables one to get a view of the cribs,” Parulekar said. He added, “Christmas in Goa is a very unique experience for tourists. People of all faiths participate in the celebrations and visit Christmas cribs. This year too we are expecting tourists to visit Goa in large numbers and witness the uniqueness of the celebrations.”
