Tag: Goans in UK

International

Goencho Festakar Marius Fernandes Reconnects with UK’s First Ordained Goan Priest

Tanisha Cardozo

In a touching moment that bridges faith, history, and community, Goencho Festakar Marius Fernandes recently met with Fr John Tavares, the first Goan priest to be ordained in the United Kingdom. Their meeting took place in Leicester, where Fr Tavares now serves the local community with humility and warmth.

This wasn’t just a casual visit. It was a deeply emotional reunion tied to a very special memory — a 1995 religious pilgrimage to Marius’ village of Malar in Goa. That pilgrimage, possibly the first ever organised from Europe to Goa, was a spiritual milestone — led by Fr Tavares and orchestrated by Marius’ now 93-year-old mother, Antonette Fernandes, a pillar of community initiative and grace.

Marius was accompanied by his daughter Gemma Fernandes during this nostalgic trip. Fr Tavares graciously gave them a guided tour of his area in Leicester and served them a delicious, home-cooked meal — a reflection of the Goan hospitality that thrives no matter where Goans settle.

For Marius, known for his unwavering commitment to Goan festivals and cultural preservation, this reunion was another reminder of the lasting bonds that faith, migration, and shared roots create. It’s stories like these that reinforce the strength of the Goan diaspora and how its history continues to be written — not just in Goa, but across the globe.

International

Goans Come Alive at First-Ever Swindon Carnival

allycaralgoa

Swindon July 5, 2025 – By Allycaral

A vibrant explosion of colour, culture, and rhythm took over Swindon’s Polo Ground as the town hosted the inaugural Swindon Carnival 2025, an event now marked as a new milestone in the cultural calendar of the UK Goan diaspora.

Organised by UK Visionary Events, the day celebrated unity in diversity — blending Goan traditions with global influences. The event kicked off with a carnival parade led by children in festive costumes and the grand Carnival King & Queen, with the Deputy Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Neil Hopkins, lending his support.

Goan Soul, Global Beat
The stage came alive with iconic Konkani performances, with Mark Revlon’s soulful “Efernant Suate Na” and Princeston Colaco’s hit “Destiny” drawing roaring applause. Audiences also swayed to the stylings of Rainbow’s End, powered by Gladrin’s vocals.

As dusk set in, DJ Frankey, Kessh, Xavier, and Kim kept the crowd energised into the night, while rappers Lil Ferns & Eric Goan added an urban flair with fiery verses.

Flavours & Festivities
Food was a highlight — with stalls offering traditional Goan fare and global delights, while fairground rides, interactive booths, T-shirt design, face painting, and NHS stalls added depth and accessibility to the event.

Seamless & Safe
Organised by a 16-member team led by Lewin and Melroy, the event was a model of meticulous planning and execution. With Beast Security ensuring safety and NHS booths promoting health awareness, the event balanced fun and responsibility perfectly.

A Movement, Not Just a Moment
According to the organisers, this was more than just a one-off celebration. “Swindon Carnival 2025 is the start of a movement,” they said. “It shows what’s possible when communities come together in unity and celebration.”

The Swindon Carnival promises to return even bigger and brighter — growing into a cherished annual tradition that celebrates Goan identity while embracing the world.