Festivals & Events in Goa 2018
Table of Contents
Whenever you think of the sun, sands and seas, the first place that pops up in your mind would be none other than Goa. However, Goa is known for a lot more things than its to-die-for nightlife and beach parties. It is a perfect blend of Portuguese and Indian culture. Tourists from all over the globe are attracted to the holiday vibes of Goa.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday sprawled on the beach with your friends or family, or you are looking to experience the much talked about party life in Goa, this pint-sized coastal destination is a perfect spot for a quick weekend holiday or a long family vacation. It can be said that there is no place like Goa in India.
Colourful festivals and events in Goa: You shouldn’t miss!
If you are planning a trip to Goa anytime this 2018, then here is a list of some of the most awaited festivals and events in Goa this 2018:
1. What to look forward to in January:
The month of January 2018 brings some much-awaited events for locals and tourists in Goa.
- Of course, we can expect some of the biggest parties and celebrations happening for New Year’s Day.
- The annual Zatrotsav is a 6-day long celebration starting on Jan 3rd in Goa where different types of religious activities, rituals and cultural activities are held. Anyone is welcome to be a part of these celebrations to worship the idol of Shantadurga.
- The Feast of Three Kings is celebrated by everyone in Goa on Jan 6th, no matter which religion they are from. There is a great big fair to look forward to right after the feast at The Our Lady of Remedies Chapel in Goa.
2. What to look forward to in February:
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- Grape Escapade, first organized in 2005 has now become a ritual, and the world’s largest grape stomping festival held in India! People from all walks of life come together to participate in this great Grape Stomping festival in Goa.
- Beginning on the 10th of February, the Goa Carnival is undoubtedly one of the most looked forward to events. This 3-day festival is about celebrating the rich culture, history and tradition of Goa with music, dance, food and parades.
- Shigmo festival is celebrated in Goa in honour of the warriors in Goa. During this festival, you will find folk dancers performing on the streets of Goa for everyone to gaze at.
3. What to look forward to in March:
- March brings with it the celebrations of Easter in Goa, where you will find all the churches lit up with joy, celebrations and music.
4. What to look forward to in April:
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- Goa Food and Cultural Festival is the best way to celebrate the mouth-watering cuisine of Goa. This 5-day festival celebrates the Goan cuisine which mainly constitutes of sea food, but also sees contributions from housewives, hoteliers, chefs and caterers showing their skills. Of course, there is also a wonderful fireworks display to look forward to in the end.
- Lairai festival is celebrated in Goa in honour of their Goddess Lairai, where music, folk dance and rituals are performed.
5. What to look forward to in May:
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- Goa Coconut and Cashew festival celebrates the two most loved ingredients of Goa- the cashew nut and the coconut. These two ingredients are extremely popular and also contribute greatly to the economy of the land.
- Holy Spirit Feast is celebrated 15 days after Easter in the Holy Spirit Church of Margao. The Holy Spirit Feast is definitely an event to be a part of if you find yourself in Goa in May, as you can watch the procession of the members of the Church and the Priest himself walking down in their red ceremonial robes.
6. What to look forward to in June:
- The Sao Joao festival is a much awaited festival celebrated during the monsoon season in Goa. The history behind the celebration of Sao Joao is the happiness and enthusiasm, which St. John felt on the birth of baby Jesus, where he was so overwhelmed with joy that he jumped into the ponds, wells and streams!
7. What to look forward to in July:
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- The Chikhal Kalo festival is celebrated in Goa during the month of July. Literally translating to ‘play in the mud’, the Chikhal Kalo festival is celebrated by the Hindus to signify the fun and childish games that Lord Krishna would play during his childhood. However, anybody is allowed to participate in these festivals, and if you find yourself in Goa during July, the Chikhal Kalo festival is something that you definitely should experience when in Goa!
8. What to look forward to in August:
- Bonderam Festival is celebrated in Goa during the month of August and is quite a spectacle to be a part of for both locals and tourists alike. The Bonderam festival is celebrated in remembrance of the ancient wars and disputes that would take place between the different tribes of Goa during the Portuguese rule.
- Monsoon Tango Retreat celebrates a 3-day event in Goa where anyone can join in to try their hand at the sensual dance of Tango. This 3-day event is held in Goa this August from 24th to 27th, and is a must visit if you find yourself in Goa during this time!
9. What to look forward to in September:
- Ganesh Chathurthi will be celebrated in Goa this September 2018 on the 13th day of the month. This Hindu festival is the biggest one celebrated in Goa; dedicated to the Hindu God Ganesha. The devotees recite hymns, offer prayers, and also do idol immersion.
10. What to look forward to in October:
- Dusshera is celebrated with great grandeur and excitement by Hindus all over the country including Goa. This Hindu festival is celebrated to rejoice over the triumph of good over evil, remembering the victory of Lord Rama over Lankapati Ravan.
11. What to look forward to in November:
- Diwali is celebrated all over India and is known as the festival of lights. This festival is also celebrated in Goa and will be one of the most wonderful experiences to be a part of this 2018. People from all over gather around to enjoy some of the most happening events on the beaches of Goa.
12. What to look forward to in December:
- St. Francis Xavier’s Feast is held every year in Goa in honour of St. Francis. It is one of the events which most people in Goa look forward to every December.
- International Film Festival in Goa can be equated to the film festival held in Cannes. The International Film Festival is held in Panaji, where it welcomes actors and filmmakers from all over the globe to showcase their great work.
- Christmas is probably one of the most awaited festivals of the year. It is celebrated with great grandeur in Goa and being a part of the Christmas celebrations in Goa is certainly an experience that you do not want to miss.
- Sunburn Music Festival is a three-day music festival held in Vagator- the party spot in Goa. Sunburn is the largest music festival in all of Asia and being a part of this event in Goa is something that people from all over the globe look forward to all year.
These are the top events and festivals to be held in Goa this 2018. Being a part of these events is certainly a must-have experience when you are in Goa. Goa has so much more to its richness than just their sandy beaches and bright sun. These festivals and events make your stay in Goa all the more exciting and make it a rich experience.
