Sailing into Lisbon on my cruise felt like entering a living history book. As the ship glided up the broad Tagus River, the city revealed itself — church spires, tiled façades, and the iconic sweep of the 25 de Abril Bridge. It reminded me that, like Goa, Lisbon treats the sea not as a boundary but a bridge — one that connects cultures, faiths, and communities across oceans.
Walking through the Alfama quarter, I was overcome by a sense of familiarity. The winding cobbled streets, azulejo-tiled buildings, and the haunting strains of fado evoked the same nostalgia I’ve experienced during Goa’s festas. Standing at the Castelo de São Jorge, gazing over the red rooftops spilling toward the river, I thought of the ships that once sailed east — many bound for Goa — shaping our cuisine, architecture, and shared traditions.
Transport in Lisbon was not just functional; it was part of the story. I climbed aboard the yellow Tram 28 — its wooden frame squealing as it negotiated narrow alleys and steep hills, brushing past miradouros and historic churches. Later, I switched to a tuk-tuk — a playful, modern twist on mobility. The driver, lively and knowledgeable, pointed out secret viewpoints and offered stories that felt deeply personal. In those moments, I saw Lisbon’s two faces: one grounded in heritage, the other moving forward with energy.
One of the places that touched me deeply was the Church of St. Anthony, built near the saint’s birthplace. St. Anthony is beloved in both Lisbon and Goa. We celebrate his feast with music, prayer, and devotion back home. Standing in that church, I was reminded that traditions travel — just as I’ve carried stories, songs, and festivals between Lisbon and Goa.
For over 25 years, through 103 people’s festivals across Goa, I’ve worked to showcase our community’s resilience and joy. In Lisbon, I saw a kindred spirit — a city that respects its past while embracing the present. Sipping a pastel de nata with a bold bica, I thought of how sharing a Goan Doce de Grao at our festivals is more than hospitality — it’s a cultural handshake, a bite-sized story.
As the ship pulled away at sunset, Lisbon did not feel like a mere stop on the map. It felt like a mirror to my own path as Marius Festakar — a journey rooted in tradition, shaped by the sea, and driven by a deep desire to keep our heritage alive, accessible, and inclusive.
