Tag: Goan Culture

Human Interest

Fifty Years, Three Continents: The Fernandes Family’s Remarkable Return to Divar

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

For the Fernandes family of St. Mathias, Divar, January 3 holds a meaning far deeper than a date on the calendar. It is a marker of movement, memory, and a lifelong commitment to Goa’s cultural soul. The day is the birthday of Genevieve Fernandes, the eldest daughter of family matriarch Antonetta Fernandes, and it also commemorates January 3, 1976—the day Antonetta travelled from Santa Cruz airport in Bombay to London with her six children to join her husband, the late Bernard Fernandes.

At a time when overseas migration meant uncertainty and sacrifice, Antonetta’s decision required courage and resolve. This, however, was not her first transcontinental journey. Nearly a decade earlier, in 1967, she had sailed from Mombasa, Kenya, to Marmagao, Goa, navigating life across continents long before such mobility became common among Goan families.

The family later settled in Leicester in the United Kingdom, where Antonetta raised six children while remaining deeply connected to the Goan diaspora. She was actively involved in organising tiatr performances and cultural programmes, and ensured her children participated in the Scouts and Guides movement, grounding them in discipline, service, and cultural pride.

Recalling those years, her eldest son Marius Fernandes speaks of values passed down quietly but firmly. He remembers his mother insisting that wherever one lives, one must give something back—especially one’s culture. Even far from Goa, the family was never allowed to forget who they were or where they came from.

Marius went on to work with British Telecom, building a stable life in the UK, but the connection to Goa never faded. In 2000, he returned to Goa with his family, followed soon after by his parents, completing a journey that spanned Kenya, Goa, the United Kingdom, and finally, a return home.

Back in Goa, Marius Fernandes—now widely known as Festakar—channelled his global experiences into cultural action. Over the years, he has played a key role in organising 104 festivals across the state, from intimate village celebrations to large-scale cultural showcases highlighting Goan music, art, heritage, and local talent. For him, festivals were never just about size or spectacle, but about giving villages confidence, offering Goan artistes a platform, and reclaiming public spaces for culture.

Reflecting on his journey, Fernandes sees migration as deeply connected to his cultural mission. Living abroad, he says, teaches one the true value of what was left behind. Returning to Goa was not about slowing down but about responsibility—towards people, culture, and community.

At the heart of this story stands 94-year-old Antonetta Fernandes, whose quiet strength shaped the lives of her children. Looking back at her extraordinary journey today, her words remain simple and deeply Goan. She speaks of celebrating the move to the UK, but more importantly, of celebrating the return to Goa to live a sussegado life.

Fifty years on, the Fernandes family story is not just about migration across continents. It is about adaptability, cultural continuity, and the enduring idea of home—proof that no matter how far one travels, some journeys are always meant to end where they began.

Events in Goa

Manohar Rai Sardessai’s Poetry Brings Goan Soul to Christmas Concert at Museum of Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Words from iconic Goan poet Manohar Rai Sardessai lent a rich regional and literary depth to the Concerto De Natal, a Christmas concert held at the Museum of Goa that celebrated the state’s multicultural identity while honouring its indigenous roots. The evening brought together poetry, music and tradition in a format that reflected both reverence and renewal.

The concert featured the release of newly composed Christmas carols set to Sardessai’s poetry by international opera singer and composer Oscar Castellino, created in collaboration with the poet’s son, Umesh. The compositions offered fresh musical interpretations while retaining the emotional and cultural resonance of the original verses.

Among the poems performed were Ball Jesus Zolmolo, Mari Matek Ballok Zala and Jinnen Mhaka Sogle Dile, alongside Ailim Natalam penned by Umesh Sardessai. These were presented after blending Konkani and Portuguese musical traditions with familiar English and French carols, creating a seamless and immersive concert experience.

According to curator Nilankur Das, reimagining Sardessai’s poetry through music brought a deeply Goan sensibility to the evening. The programme also featured original Konkani compositions for violin and ghumot, as well as traditional carols in Portuguese, English, French and German, grounding the concert in cultural diversity while honouring literary legacy.

The Concerto De Natal featured a distinguished ensemble of musicians including Oscar Castellino, vocalist Chelsea D’Silva, pianist and arranger Jason Quadros, ghumot percussionist Nahil Flores, and violinist Senon de Souza. Together, they performed compositions inspired by Sardessai’s work, alongside pieces by Micael Martins, Gabriel Pais, Castellino and classical composer Adolphe Adam, making the evening a celebration of Goa’s enduring artistic spirit.

Human Interest

A Life Remembered: Panjim Gathers to Honour the Legacy of Late Senhor Zito de Ornelas Rodrigues Gomes

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

An atmosphere of remembrance, music and heartfelt tributes filled the St Inez Church Hall in Panjim as friends, admirers and family gathered on December 15 to honour the life and legacy of late Senhor Zito de Ornelas Rodrigues Gomes, a pioneering figure in Goan music and a respected public servant. Deeply rooted in Loutolim and a long-time resident of Panjim, Senhor Zito was remembered as a true son of Goa whose life seamlessly blended artistry, service and community spirit.

The month’s Mass was presided over by Fr Derrick Xavier Fernandes, Parish Priest of St John the Baptist Church, Pilerne, followed by the blessing of the grave. The condolence gathering was hosted by Clube Marius Festacar and brought together eminent speakers, artists and well-wishers for an evening of reflection and gratitude.

Senior journalist Prakash Kamat coordinated the programme, warmly welcoming those present and setting the tone for the evening. In a deeply personal conversation, he engaged with Festakar Marius Fernandes, a close friend and long-time cultural collaborator of Senhor Zito, who spoke movingly about his early passion for music and his role as a trailblazer in post-colonial Goa.

Marius recalled how Senhor Zito founded Goa’s first band after the Portuguese era, the four-member ensemble Tuna Los Coimbranos, which performed in elite clubs across Goa. Named after the University of Coimbra in Lisbon, the band blended Goan, Portuguese and South American influences, leaving a lasting imprint on the region’s musical landscape. His visits to Mormugao Harbour to listen to musicians from visiting cruise liners and his lifelong admiration for legendary Portuguese fado singer Amália Rodrigues deeply shaped his musical sensibilities.

Beyond music, Senhor Zito served with quiet dedication in the Goa Government Secretariat, contributing to the formulation of the Tenants and Mundkar Acts — landmark legislations that continue to shape Goan society. Former colleague Olinda Fernandes spoke of his sincerity, discipline and unwavering commitment to public service.

In the 1970s, Senhor Zito worked with the Public Works Department in Qatar before returning to Goa with his wife, Professor Fatima Lucia, where both remained deeply involved in community and cultural life. Former Director of Information Gurunath Pai reflected on their long friendship, remembering Zito as a man of grace and humility whose presence united people through kindness, music and laughter.

His legacy continues through his daughter, Dr Gwendolyn de Ornelas, a respected publisher and curator who carries forward his creative spirit and commitment to cultural preservation.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Dominic D’Souza, President of Clube Marius Festacar, followed by a moment of silence and a gentle musical interlude — a fitting tribute to a life lived as a symphony of service, artistry and love for Goa.

Books & Literature

Parra’s First-Ever Book Chronicles the Soul of a Quintessential Goan Village

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Parra, the quaint and age-old village located just outside Mapusa in North Goa, will soon see its story preserved in print with the release of Parra: The Quintessential Goan Village, the first book dedicated entirely to the village. Authored by Cosme Lobo, a former English and Mathematics teacher and a well-known local resident, the book is an attempt to record the memories, traditions and cultural identity of Parra at a time when the countryside is rapidly changing.

Through its winding lanes, age-old fields and lived experiences, the book takes readers on a nostalgic journey into the heart of Parra. Lobo revisits the village’s heritage, traditional lifestyles and landmarks that shaped its identity over generations. He presents a concise history and geography of Parra, Verla and Canca, the three original aldeias collectively known in the past by the acronym ‘PVC’.

Highlighting the spirit of religious harmony, the author writes about the earliest place of worship known as the ‘Deusan’, where people of different faiths continue to gather in reverence of the lord of all creation. He also documents a small dome-shaped chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross, believed to have once been devoted to Brahmadevi Khelbika Laxmi Mata. Despite changes in religious affiliation over time, the site remains a shared space of prayer for both Hindus and Christians.

The book walks readers through Parra’s temples, chapels and the St Anne’s Church, which continue to be central to village life. It pays tribute to the hardworking farmers for whom Parra has long been synonymous with its famous watermelons, while also recalling the toddy-tappers of the past, noted musicians, sports personalities, freedom fighters and community leaders who shaped the village’s destiny.

In more recent times, Parra has gained widespread recognition for its iconic Madanni road lined with coconut palms, now a popular spot for photography. At the end of this road stands the church, often compared to Rome’s Sistine Chapel for its painted ceiling and fresco-lined corridors. The village is also home to one of Goa’s earliest English medium schools, Sacred Heart School, founded in 1912, along with institutions such as the Comunidade, which played a vital role in cooperative farming, planned water bodies and flood prevention through carefully constructed bunds and lanes.

Lobo also documents Parra’s religious institutions, including temples dedicated to Lord Bodgeshwar, Sateri Verlekarin Devi, Shree Nagnath Mahadev Prasanna, Shree Vishwati Vishweshwar Shivshankar and Shree Varad Siddhivinayak Mandir, the latter being well known for its Sarvajanik Ganesh Festival. Cultural traditions such as the singing of Moteti during Lent, Saint John’s festivities marked by well-jumping and gumot playing, and weddings once held under mollam pandals are vividly recalled.

The book also shines a light on present-day trendsetters from Parra, including coconut shell artists, a reviver of the mollam craft, a Hollywood actor and a young woman aircraft pilot. It acknowledges the village’s sporting legacy, noting athletes and players who excelled in football, hockey and athletics, alongside the contributions of freedom fighters and political leaders.

Parra: The Quintessential Goan Village will be released on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, during the Festival of Stars at the Parra Tinto. The foreword is written by Parra parish priest Fr Pedro da Gama, who appreciates Lobo’s dedication to documenting the village’s legacy. The book is published by Goa,1556, marking an important milestone in preserving Parra’s cultural memory for future generations.

International

Goans in New York Come Together to Celebrate Feast of St Francis Xavier

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral International Desk

The New York Goan Association’s annual celebration of the Feast of St Francis Xavier was held on December 7 at St Luke’s Church Hall in Whitestone, New York, bringing together over 130 members of the Goan and Indian community in a vibrant expression of faith, culture and togetherness.

The day began with a well-attended Holy Mass that set a reverent and reflective tone for the celebrations. Following the Mass, members and guests gathered at the Church Hall, which was beautifully decorated by the association’s committee, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Guests were welcomed with an array of appetisers including chicken lollipops, vegetable spring rolls, kebabs and haryali chicken. The programme was set in motion by Master of Ceremonies Valerian Rodrigues, who opened the event with the traditional Goan March. New York Goan Association President Abigail Couto then addressed the gathering, thanking sponsors, members and committee volunteers for their dedication. She highlighted the association’s ongoing work in New York and India, noting that proceeds from the raffle baskets would support charitable initiatives in Goa, Mumbai and Nashik, including orphanages, homes for the aged and hospices.

Music and entertainment kept the celebrations lively, with DJ Evette providing foot-tapping tracks alongside live performances. A special highlight for younger members was the arrival of Santa Claus, continuing a cherished tradition that brought joy and excitement to the children. The feast cake was cut amidst the singing of the traditional feast song, adding to the sense of shared heritage.

The audience was also treated to melodious performances by young singing talent Leanne Rodrigues and by Joey, whose songs added a special charm to the afternoon. Lunch featured a generous spread of Goan, Indian and Portuguese cuisine, catered by Spice Symphony, The Order and O Lavrador, complemented by a signature salad prepared by a committee member. Traditional sorpotel, made and sponsored by The Order, was enjoyed with sannas, while the menu also included seafood paella, Peruvian chicken, chana masala, fish curry, lomein and more. Wines for the event were sponsored by the New York Wine Exchange and the Couto family.

The event was coordinated entirely by the New York Goan Association committee, whose members reiterated that keeping the spirit of Goemkarponn alive in New York and bringing families together remains central to the association’s mission. The celebration stood as a reminder that even far from home, Goan traditions, faith and community continue to thrive.