Feel The Traditional Side Of The Goan World

Every state has a few festivals synonymous with its name. Although Goa has a number of festivals, here’s a list of the ones that will let you feel the fiber and fabric that Goa is truly made of.

SAO JOAO Viva Sao Joao! The words reverberate throughout villages as people jump into well with colourful copels shouting them out. The best place in Goa to experience the festival is in siolim. Here, crowds gather and the rain is a welcomed treat. Boats are decorated with flowers and everyone wears a crown made out of vines and flowers known locally as copels. The feast of St. John the Baptist also known as Sao Joao takes place on the 24th of June.

BONDERAM

Bonderam is a unique festival of Goa, almost like a shy cousin of the famous carnival. The festival takes place on the fourth Saturday of the month of August on the island of Divar. The celebrations start off with a procession of flags accompanied by a traditional brass band. The flags represent the flags that were used by the Portuguese for the demarcation of borders on the island. Earlier, disputes between the two sections of the island during the Portuguese rule forced the Portuguese to use flags to demarcate the boundaries. A number of floats showcasing culture and tradition stride down the narrow roads as the crowd watches from the sides. Dancers entertain the crowd with traditional dances and attire. The island comes to life and the ferry to the island on this day is often over crowded, but worth it.