ARAMBOL: Goa witnessed 450 years of Portuguese rule, which left an
indelible mark on the culture and traditions of the region. The Portuguese
introduced various customs and events that have become an integral part of Goan
life, including the vibrant Carnival, church feasts, ladainhas, and tediao for marriages.
Among these customs, the unique tradition of ‘Alvarado’ emerged, accompanied by
the resounding melodies of a brass band. The musicians would travel around the
village, early in the morning, halting at specific places to play their
soul-stirring music. One musician, in particular, has been at the forefront of
this musical journey for over six decades. Alex Fernandes, with his band of
eight talented individuals, plays a range of brass instruments such as drums,
trumpets, bass guitars, rhythm guitars, and violins.
Music, according to Alex, runs in the blood of Goans, and it was
the presence of parochial music schools and the inherent love for music that provided
him with the necessary support to pursue his musical journey. Throughout his
career, he has played at countless church and chapel feasts across Goa and even
in neighbouring Maharashtra. In the past, church feasts and chapel celebrations
were sponsored by an individual known as the ‘President’, who would shoulder
the expenses and ensure a grand celebration, including the presence of a brass
band to play throughout the village, during the feast Masses. However, as each
successive President tried to outdo the previous year’s grandeur, the Church
decided to shift the responsibility to all parishioners, allowing everyone to
contribute and keep the tradition alive.
The unique Goan tradition of Alvarado has attracted people from
different regions who appreciate and acknowledge its distinctive charm. Despite
the passage of time and the challenges faced, Alex has remained committed to
his musical calling. “I started at age 20, and throughout my 63 years in the
field, I have changed my band members only twice, with the current line up
comprising talented musicians from my village, as well as Tuem and Mandrem,” he
says. While Alex has received some recognition for his exceptional
contributions to music, he remains concerned about the sustainability of the
brass band tradition. He emphasizes that relying solely on playing for church
feasts is not enough to make ends meet. “The cost of living has risen, and
other electrical musical instruments have entered the scene, making it
necessary for brass band musicians to perform at various events, such as hotel
shows and marriage functions, to sustain ourselves,” he points out.
Yet, monetary gain is not the primary motivation for Alex and his
band. They firmly believe that playing for God and carrying on the tradition of
Alvarado is a greater source of satisfaction. They trust that God will bless
their talent and ensure the continuity of this cherished musical legacy. With conviction,
Alex states, “We strongly believe that God will bless us and make sure that this
tradition does not die.” As Alex approaches his twilight years, he has passed
the baton to his three sons—Thomas, Luis, and Elvit—who eagerly carry forward
the family’s musical heritage. The other members of the band are Ambrose,
Alfred, Simon and Martin. Alongside his performances, Alex dedicates his time
to teaching music to village children in his own Arambol Church, nurturing the
next generation of musicians.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Alex stands tall and
sprightly, guiding the modern generation toward the value of brass band music
and the tradition of Alvarado. He emphasizes the uniqueness and melodic beauty
that brass bands offer, a quality that cannot be replicated by any other
instrument. In the words of Alex, “As long as I can, I will continue to lead
our group. This tradition is worth preserving, and as musicians, we have a
responsibility to keep the rhythm alive.
