Events in Goa

Festa do Povo Returns to Panaji with Goan Cuisine, Music and Community Spirit


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Traditional flavours, lively music and community spirit will take centre stage as the third edition of Festa do Povo returns to Panaji on January 24 and 25 at the mangrove-lined pedestrian spine at Patto Plaza.

Designed as a people’s festival — “of the people, by the people, and for the people” — Festa do Povo celebrates Goa’s culture, environment, heritage and camaraderie through food, music and shared experiences. The two-day event brings together local home chefs and established city restaurants, offering an exciting culinary journey that reflects Goa’s rich food traditions alongside international flavours prepared by accredited Goan chefs.

Adding to the festive experience will be a dedicated Feni Bridge Bar and beverage stations highlighting local drinks and spirits, reinforcing the festival’s focus on celebrating Goa’s identity and produce.

Music and cultural performances form the heart of Festa do Povo, with a vibrant line-up that includes the Kids Choir (Choir of Angels), a celebrated brass band, a jazz band, and headline performances by popular bands Purple Rain Band and Forefront Band. Visitors will also witness traditional cultural displays such as a temple drum medley synonymous with Shigmo, the graceful Divli (lamp) dance, and captivating performances by the Vyomi Dance Troupe and Samba dancers.

By blending cuisine, music and community, Festa do Povo continues to strengthen Panaji’s cultural fabric, offering residents and visitors a space to come together, celebrate Goa’s living heritage and experience the city through the warmth of its people.

Events in Goa

Candlelight Makes History: India’s First-Ever Fort Concert Series Debuts at Goa’s 17th-Century Aguada Complex


The Candlelight Concert Series by Live Your City is about to redefine India’s live music landscape with a historic debut at Goa’s legendary Aguada Port & Jail Complex. For the first time, this 17th-century Portuguese fortress—standing sentinel over the Arabian Sea for more than four centuries—will transform into a luminous stage for an extraordinary musical experience. On November 8, 2025, the ancient bastions of Fort Aguada will glow under thousands of candles, merging history and harmony in an atmosphere that promises to be nothing short of magical.

As twilight descends over the Goan coastline, audiences will be welcomed into the fortress for two back-to-back performances. The evening opens with Candlelight Goa: Queen vs. ABBA at 6:30 p.m., where the anthemic energy of rock legends Queen meets the timeless pop perfection of ABBA. This will be followed by Candlelight Goa: A Tribute to A.R. Rahman at 8:30 p.m., celebrating India’s most beloved musical genius whose compositions have become the heartbeat of a generation. Each performance lasts 60 minutes and is designed to immerse audiences in sound, light, and emotion against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of India’s most storied fortresses.

The Fort Aguada complex, with its weathered laterite walls, ocean-facing bastions, and historic jail chambers, provides an acoustic and visual setting unlike any concert venue in the country. The natural resonance of its chambers enhances the music’s intimacy, while the flicker of candlelight creates a mesmerizing dialogue between history and artistry. Seating is limited to ensure every attendee experiences the grandeur up close and personal, making it one of the most exclusive live events ever hosted in Goa.

This debut marks a milestone not only for Candlelight but also for Goa’s cultural and tourism landscape. It positions the state as a destination for immersive heritage-based experiences that blend the old and the new. The event exemplifies how music can transcend time and architecture, turning historical spaces into living, breathing stages of artistic expression.

With tickets starting from ₹1,399, the Candlelight Goa Fort Concert Series is more than an evening of music—it’s an invitation to witness history illuminated.