Tag: UK Goans

Sports

Goan Carrom Cup 2025 Unites Goan Community in London with Sport and Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

London, 28th September 2025 — The Goan Carrom Cup 2025 brought together Goans from across the United Kingdom in a spirited celebration of sports, community, and cultural identity. Organised by the Goan Sports Club U.K. and hosted at the Social Sports Bar in Hounslow, the tournament turned into a vibrant gathering that highlighted the unity, diversity, and enduring spirit of the Goan diaspora.

Now in its fifth event within just one year of its formation, the Goan Sports Club U.K. continues to provide a much-needed platform for Goans living abroad to stay connected through sports and shared heritage. This year’s carrom tournament drew 24 participants in the singles category and 12 teams for the doubles, creating a lively and engaging environment throughout the day.

In the singles matches, Rose Rebello emerged as the champion, with Khader Xec finishing as runner-up. The doubles competition was equally intense, with John D’cunha and Elroy Carvalho taking home the title, and the pair of Rose Rebello and Myron Fernandes finishing in second place. The event not only highlighted individual skill but also the camaraderie and teamwork deeply rooted in the Goan ethos.

Prizes were presented by Mr. Malcolm Silveira, who commended the Goan Sports Club U.K. for their commitment to fostering community through events that go beyond competition — events that bring people of all faiths, generations, and regions together under the shared banner of Goan identity.

The Goan Carrom Cup 2025 was more than a tournament. It was a celebration — of who Goans are, of what they carry with them wherever they go, and of the connections that continue to thrive across borders through culture, community, and sport.

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.

Sports

Goan Football Cup 2025 Unites Communities in London, Sets New Records

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goan Football Cup 2025 has emerged as a monumental celebration of sport, culture, and community abroad. Held at Cranford Community College in London on August 23, the tournament drew record participation, with 28 men’s teams and three women’s teams — making it the largest Goan football tournament outside Goa.

The second edition of the event reinforced the Goan community’s love for the game while showcasing its inclusive nature. Players from different communities competed side by side, with Goan teams putting up strong performances against sides featuring seasoned English 5-a-side players.

One of the most inspiring stories of the tournament was the participation of Wilred United Goa, led by manager Joe Vas. The team traveled from Goa to London, making a powerful statement about the global reach of Goan football. Their women’s team, which included former India junior international Anline Fernandes, dominated the competition and won the championship without conceding a single goal. Their victory, achieved in their very first appearance together, stands as a proud moment for Goan women’s football and the diaspora.

Southall Athletic WFC put on a strong performance to finish as runners-up in the women’s tournament after an unbeaten group stage. In the men’s category, it was Daily Ballin who emerged victorious, defeating Filthy Starz in a thrilling finale.

But the event was about much more than just the matches. The Goan Football Cup transformed into a festival, with families and fans enjoying authentic Goan food by Pratos De Goa, Feni cocktails by GoaTails, and vibrant live performances from artists Saneev, Rochus, and singer Braga. The atmosphere was electric, merging sport with cultural pride.

The prize distribution ceremony, led by community leaders Xavier Vas, Jules Alberto Dias, Ruksana Braz, and celebrated singer Mark Revlon, honoured team achievements and individual excellence.

With its growing stature, the Goan Football Cup has now firmly established itself as the flagship Goan sporting event outside India. As the community celebrates this success, one thing is clear — this is just the beginning of a powerful legacy that will continue to unite Goans and amplify their passion for football on a global stage.

International

First-Ever Ekvottachem Fest Unites Leicester’s Goans in a Celebration of Culture and Community

Tanisha Cardozo

Leicester, UK – 21st August 2025: A historic cultural milestone will be marked in Leicester this August with the city’s first-ever Ekvottachem Fest – a people-powered celebration of Goan identity, togetherness, and tradition. Held at John Bosco Hall from 6:00 pm onwards, the festival is the brainchild of globally renowned Festakar Marius Fernandes, the visionary behind over 100 grassroots cultural festivals around the world.

What is Ekvottachem Fest?

Rooted in the Goan word “ekvott”, meaning unity, the festival brings the Goan community together in a celebration that transcends borders. True to its ethos, the event is completely community-driven – with no sponsors, no VIP guests, and no commercial backing. Instead, it shines a spotlight on shared heritage, volunteer spirit, and cultural pride.

Festival Highlights Include:

  • Balcaoacho Gozalli – Goan-style chats capturing the essence of village balcaos (balconies), promoting intergenerational storytelling.
  • Kottiacho Nach – A vibrant traditional coconut shell dance conceptualised by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas.
  • Festacarachi Pasoi – A Leicester-style heritage walk inspired by Goa’s rich history.
  • Karyashala – Interactive workshops teaching the making of traditional Goan sweets.
  • Goenche Jevonn – An authentic Goan food experience.
  • Live Music & Dance Performances – Celebrating Goan rhythms and local talents.

One of the festival’s major highlights will be the launch of “Saxtti Beats”, a youth-led Goan music band based in Leicester. This debut symbolises the vibrant energy of the next generation carrying forward the cultural torch.

The Leicester edition marks Marius Fernandes’ 103rd community festival globally, and the third in the UK, under his visionary movement: “Festakar Without Borders”. Past editions have empowered communities across continents to celebrate their culture without the constraints of commercialisation.

Local cultural champions Espirito Roy Sequeira, Melba Fernandes, Elvina Maria Fernandes, Steven Gonsalves, and Jancia Da Silva Almeida have played a pivotal role in shaping and supporting this event.

Beyond the festivities, Ekvottachem Fest is a call to UK-based Goans – especially the youth – to reconnect with their language, roots, and traditions, while embracing the diversity and inclusivity of modern Leicester.

As Festakar Marius Fernandes says:

“Goans everywhere share a common bond of unity. Whether in Goa, the UK, or anywhere in the world, our heritage, values, and togetherness are what keep our community strong.”

The Ekvottachem Fest is not just a one-day event – it’s the beginning of a cultural reawakening for Goans in the UK and beyond.

📍Event Details:
 Ekvottachem Fest – Festival of Unity
 📅 Saturday, 23 August 2025
🕕 6:00 PM onwards
📌 John Bosco Hall, Leicester
🎟️ Entry: Free

International

Leicester Hosts First-Ever Inclusive Ekvottachem Fest Celebrating Goan Culture, Unity & Community

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

On Saturday, 23rd August 2025, Leicester will become the stage for a historic cultural milestone — the first-ever Ekvottachem Fest, an inclusive celebration of Goan culture, heritage, and togetherness. This unique grassroots festival will be held at St John Bosco Hall from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and best of all, it’s free and open to all.

✨ Curated by Festakar Marius Fernandes

With 101 festivals already under his belt, community-builder Marius Fernandes (affectionately called “Festakar”) brings his festival-making magic to Leicester for the very first time. His mission is simple but powerful: use festivals as tools for inclusion, joy, and connection.

“This is not just a festival,” says Marius. “It’s a gathering of hearts — no barriers, no tickets, no exclusion.”

🎭 What’s Happening at Ekvottachem Fest?

  • Kottieacho Nach: A traditional Goan coconut dance choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas
  • Ghumtacho Avaz: A musical journey with the ancient Goan percussion instrument, the ghumot
  • Karyshala: Interactive workshops and creative spaces for all ages
  • Festakarachi Pasoi: An exhibit tracing Marius’s 100+ festivals
  • Balcaoacho Gozalli: Balcony-style chats reflecting on memory, identity, and belonging
  • Goenchem Jevonn: A delicious Goan food experience
  • Goan-Inspired Fashion Show: Celebrating traditional and modern Goan designs

🎶 Leicester Sunshine Band – Debut Performance

A highlight of the evening will be the launch of the Leicester Sunshine Band – a multicultural music ensemble formed specially for the festival. Their music will symbolize harmony, creativity, and community.

🕊️ Why It Matters

The Ekvottachem Fest is not just about culture — it’s about inclusion, heritage, identity, and joy. In a world where people often feel divided, this festival invites everyone — Goan or not — to come together, share stories, and dance in celebration of diversity.

📌 Event Details

📍 Venue: St John Bosco Hall, Leicester
📅 Date: Saturday, 23rd August 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎟️ Entry: Absolutely FREE | All are warmly welcome – the Festakar way!