Tag: Goan heritage

Events in Goa

Goa to Celebrate “Festakar Marius Fernandes Day” Annually on May 24Inclusive Purumentachem Fest to Be Held at Goa College of Home Science, Panjim

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Goa will officially honour the legacy of Marius Fernandes – affectionately known as Festakar – with an annual celebration of inclusion, heritage and community spirit. The inaugural Festakar Marius Fernandes Day will take place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Goa College of Home Science, Panjim, as part of the Inclusive and Accessible Purumentachem Fest.

At a press briefing, Historian Professor Prajal Shakardande announced the launch of the annual celebration in tribute to Marius Fernandes, a trailblazer who redefined Goan festivals by putting inclusion, simplicity and people at the heart of every celebration.

“This is not just a festival,” said Disability Coordinator Mr. Prakash Kamat. “It’s a movement. It’s about ensuring Goan culture is accessible to all – regardless of physical ability, age, or background.”

Event Highlights – From 4:30 p.m. Onwards:
4:30 p.m. – Lighting of the Lamp
4:45 p.m. – Press Briefing
5:00 p.m. – Festakar Marius Fernandes Day and Ghumot Happy Birthday Celebrations, Unveiling of the Plaque by Historian Prajal Sakardande.
5:15 p.m. – Kottieacho Nach, a folk dance conceptualized by Marius Fernandes and choreographed by Gwendolyn de Ornelas
5:30 p.m. – Bolcaoancheo Gozalli by Dr. Glenis Mendonca and Gwendolyn de Ornelas
5:45 p.m. – Book Launch with Miguel Braganza- Healing Wonders of Medicinal Plants in Goa by authors Dean Suresh Kunkalikar and Professor Carmelito Andrade, published by Gwendolyn de Ornelas and dedicated to Festacar Marius Fernandes.
6:00 p.m. – Goa Beach composition by Mr. Kuljit Bhangra and Ghumot performance by Rajwi Naik and Group
6:15 p.m. – Kunbi Apparel Fashion Show featuring designer Harold Andrade
6:30 p.m. – Konkani Songs Singalong with Glenis and Renald Mendonca

Curated by Gwendolyn de Ornelas and coordinated by Dominic D’Souza, Professor Carmelito Andrade, and Mr. Prakash Kamat, the festival reflects a shared commitment to making Goan cultural events inclusive, accessible, and participatory.

Entry is free and open to all. Families, students, seniors, and community members are encouraged to attend and experience a heartfelt celebration of Goan identity and togetherness.

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Goan Diaspora Shines: Two Persons of Goan Origin Make History in Australian Parliament

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The recent Australian federal elections have brought immense pride to the Goan community, with two individuals of Goan origin making their mark in the Australian parliament. Meet Leon Rebello and Zaneta Mascarenhas, the dynamic duo who have taken the political landscape by storm.

Leon Rebello: The Young and Ambitious MP

At just 30 years old, Leon Rebello has become the youngest Liberal National party MP in the Australian parliament, representing the southern Gold Coast seat of McPherson. Born to first-generation Australian parents hailing from Verna in Salcete, Goa, Leon is proud of his Goan heritage. In a recent interview, he emphasized the significance of his Goan roots, stating, “I have Goan culture flowing through my veins.” Leon credits his parents for instilling in him the values of hard work and family unity, which he believes are complementary to Australian culture.

With experience in both the private and public sectors, Leon has worked with Australia’s former foreign minister, where he learned a strong work culture. He expressed gratitude to his election campaign committee for their support and revealed that he met thousands of people during the campaign, listening to their concerns and promising to represent their interests to the best of his ability.

Zaneta Mascarenhas: The Seasoned Politician

Zaneta Mascarenhas, a 44-year-old engineer, has retained her seat from Swan constituency in the House of Representatives. During her first term, she served on parliamentary committees focused on critical issues such as climate change, environment, industry, and nuclear energy. Mascarenhas’s re-election is a testament to her dedication and hard work.

The election of Leon Rebello and Zaneta Mascarenhas is a significant milestone for the Goan community, showcasing the talent and potential of individuals of Goan origin on the global stage. Their achievement serves as an inspiration to others, highlighting the importance of embracing one’s heritage while contributing to the greater good.

Key Highlights:

  • Leon Rebello: 30-year-old Liberal National party MP representing McPherson seat
  • Zaneta Mascarenhas: 44-year-old Labour party MP representing Swan constituency
  • Goan Heritage: Both MPs proud of their Goan roots and credit their parents for shaping their values
  • Experience: Leon has worked in private and public sectors, while Mascarenhas has served on parliamentary committees

The Goan community worldwide is celebrating the remarkable achievement of Leon Rebello and Zaneta Mascarenhas. Their success is a testament to the community’s potential and talent, and we look forward to seeing their contributions to the Australian parliament.

Spotlight

Goan Community Mourns the Loss of Alvaro Collaço

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The Goan community in the UK came together to pay their respects to Alvaro Collaço, former chairman of the Goan Overseas Association (GOA) UK, who passed away on December 31, 2024. A memorial service was held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in South London, attended by relatives, friends, and community members.


Alvaro Collaço was a dedicated servant of the Goan community in the UK. Born in Jinja, Uganda, he studied in Goa and Poona before returning to Entebbe, Uganda, where he served in the government ministries for over 19 years. After moving to the UK in 1973, he worked as Company Secretary for the Technical Education and Training Organisation for Overseas Countries (TETOC) and later retired as Assistant Director of the British Council’s Educational Contracts Department.


Alvaro played an active role in the G.O.A. (UK) for many years, serving as Chairman of their Council of Management from 1983 to 1986. He was instrumental in acquiring the G.O.A. (UK) clubhouse in Beckenham and setting up the former Standing Conference of Goan Organisations (SCOGO), now known as the GOAN festival. He also served as Governor of the St Francis Xavier 6th Form College in Clapham.


Mervyn Maciel, a 95-year-old former Senior Civil Servant, remembered Alvaro with great affection, saying, “He had nothing but Goan blood flowing through his veins. He was passionate about doing things with the uplift of the community in mind.” Watford Borough Councillor Rabi Martins described Alvaro as “a gentle giant with wisdom, foresight, and determination.”


Alvaro Collaço’s legacy will live on through the Goan Association UK, which he helped shape and grow. His commitment to the community and his tireless efforts to promote Goan culture and heritage will be deeply missed. The Goan community in the UK will continue to celebrate his life and legacy, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.

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Ekvottachem Fest: A Vibrant Celebration of Unity, Inclusivity, and Heritage

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The sun-kissed village of Corlim was abuzz with excitement on Republic Day as the Ekvottachem Fest brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate unity, inclusivity, and Goa’s rich cultural heritage. This spectacular event, curated by festival director Festaçar Marius Fernandes and hosted by Mariano and Perpetua Ferrao, was a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving our cultural traditions.

The Ekvottachem Fest was a shining example of inclusivity, with individuals with disabilities actively participating in the celebrations. The festival’s zero-waste philosophy was also a highlight, showcasing eco-friendly practices and traditional ways of living. As the guests arrived, they were greeted with a warm welcome and a sense of belonging, setting the tone for a day filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit.

The festival was a vibrant celebration of Goa’s rich cultural heritage, with a range of activities and performances that showcased the state’s unique traditions and customs. The Balçaoacheo Gozalli platform brought together notable personalities who shared their knowledge and experiences, while the traditional lifestyle demonstrations took the guests on a journey back in time. The unique dance performances, including the Kottieacho Nach, conceptualized by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, were a highlight of the festival, showcasing the beauty and elegance of Goan dance forms.

The Festacarachi Pasoi, a heritage walk led by Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, was a unique and immersive experience that connected the participants with Corlim’s indigenous trees, medicinal plants, and historic landmarks. This initiative highlighted the importance of preserving local biodiversity and the need to protect our natural heritage for future generations.

As Festaçar Marius Fernandes approached his 100th community festival, he was honored with a commemorative 2025 Festaçar Calendar. The calendar featured vibrant photos and documentation of his 12 festivals, capturing the essence of Goa’s cultural vibrancy and the spirit of community that defines our state.

A Lasting Impression

The Ekvottachem Fest was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. As the guests departed, they carried with them memories of a day filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit. The festival was a testament to the power of unity and inclusivity, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Goan culture. As we look to the future, the Ekvottachem Fest will remain a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and promoting community spirit.