Tag: Goemkarponn

Events in Goa

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Duler Hosts ‘SON-BORN 2.0’ Christmas Fiesta to Welcome the New Year

Tanisha Cardozo

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Duler began the New Year on a joyful and meaningful note by hosting the two-day Christmas Fiesta ‘SON-BORN 2.0’ on 3rd and 4th January 2026. The celebration brought together parishioners, families and visitors, creating a vibrant platform that blended faith, culture and community spirit.

Held at the St. Anthony School Grounds, the fiesta opened on 3rd January with a lively atmosphere featuring food stalls, children’s activities, face painting and community-run counters. Parishioners showcased their talents through music, poetry and group dance performances, reflecting the cultural richness and confidence within the parish. The first evening concluded with the screening of the Konkani film Mog Asum, adding a reflective cultural dimension to the festivities.

Chief Guest Mr. Joshua D’Souza, Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and MLA of Mapusa, described the event as “a lively experience that allows people to know one another,” highlighting the importance of such gatherings in strengthening bonds within the community. Several dignitaries and clergy members were also present on the occasion.

The celebrations continued on 4th January with a variety of engaging activities, including cultural performances, Zumba sessions, youth-led game stalls and the SFX Cultural Pavilion, which showcased the creative and artistic abilities of parishioners. The highlight of the evening was the Konkani tiatr Don Dis Sonvsarantle by Ulhas Tari, staged before a packed audience and received with overwhelming appreciation.

Mr. Vijai Sardesai, MLA of Fatorda and former Deputy Chief Minister, praised the parish for promoting meaningful and positive entertainment. He noted that such initiatives play a vital role in strengthening community bonding and preserving Goa’s cultural heritage and Goemkarponn amid a rapidly evolving social landscape.

The parish expressed heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, performers and attendees whose dedication and support made ‘SON-BORN 2.0’ a memorable and meaningful celebration, reinforcing the values of unity, faith and cultural pride.

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.

International

GOAV Marks 45 Years of Promoting Goemkarponn in Melbourne with Sparkling Sapphire Celebration

allycaralgoa

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – A shining testament to heritage, unity, and resilience, the Goan Overseas Association of Victoria (GOAV) celebrated 45 years of promoting Goemkarponn (Goan identity and culture) in Australia with a magnificent Sapphire Dinner Dance held at the elegant Glen Eira Council Hall Auditorium.

The event not only commemorated a significant milestone in GOAV’s journey but also served as a vibrant reunion of generations of Goans living in Victoria, united in their love for their roots.

As guests arrived between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, they were warmly welcomed with a traditional glass of sherry, setting the tone for an evening steeped in warmth, nostalgia, and celebration. The sapphire-blue theme radiated throughout the auditorium—from decor to attire—creating a refined and visually cohesive experience.

The energy soared as ‘Colors’, a well-known 7-piece live band, took the stage and electrified the room with their vibrant music. The dance floor remained packed until past 11 PM, with spontaneous encores and a crowd-favorite saxophonist joining guests for an unforgettable moment of dance-floor revelry.

Guests indulged in a beautifully curated menu, beginning with entrée platters featuring crispy calamari and other favourites, followed by a lavish buffet dinner expertly catered by Silver Platter. The cuisine reflected both refinement and comfort, complementing the evening’s upscale yet community-rooted tone.

A sparkling blue photo corner allowed attendees to snap keepsake photos with friends and family. The night was further enlivened with raffle and door prizes, ranging from gourmet food hampers and fine wines and spirits to the coveted grand prize—a brand-new air fryer.

In her heartfelt address, GOAV President Annabel Henriques reflected on the community’s journey:

“We are proud to have brought the community together for such a memorable night. As we celebrate 45 years, we also celebrate the blessings symbolised by the sapphire—beauty, wealth, and divine favour.”

She extended her gratitude to the Glen Eira Council, all event sponsors, attendees, and especially the GOAV committee and their partners, whose dedication ensured the evening’s success.

What began in 1979 as a community initiative has grown into a cultural institution for Goans in Victoria. This 45th anniversary event was more than a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of GOAV’s mission: to preserve Goan traditions, support cultural expression, and foster a strong sense of belonging among Goans in the diaspora.

With this milestone, GOAV not only honours its rich past but confidently looks toward a future of continued cultural enrichment, youth engagement, and communal solidarity.

The Goan Overseas Association of Victoria is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected Goan cultural organisations. For over four decades, it has hosted social, cultural, and charitable events that celebrate Goan heritage and foster connections within the broader Indian and multicultural Australian communities.