Almost
every town and city in Goa has a church, which signifies that Christians
here form the second largest majority after Hindus. The Christians in Goa
celebrate their festivals with much splendor and delight and are worth a
watch. Some major festivals celebrated by the Christians in Goa are
Christmas, Good Friday, St. Xavier's Feast, Feast of the Three Kings,
Bonderam and the Margao FeastChristmas
Christmas, like anywhere else in the world, is celebrated in Goa too as the birthday of Jesus Christ with traditional joy and festivity. Come December 25th and the markets are all decorated with glitter and streamers and people cloaked as Santa stalk customers with gifts in the big cities. Children in particular enjoy this day and look forward to receiving gifts. Beautifully adorned and dazzling Christmas trees, light up the city of Goa.
Good Friday
The Goan Catholics observe the occasion of Good Friday in genuine veneration. It is an important occasion for the Christians and is marked with extensive celebrations all over Goa. The celebrations of Good Friday usually extend till Easter Sunday. However, the most impressive celebration takes place in the city of Panaji, the capital of Goa. The most popular church of Panaji, the church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, is beautifully decorated and thousands of people gather there to pay tributes and take part in the event.
St. Xavier's Feast
St. Francis Xavier was considered to be a great catholic missionary and was famous for bringing Christianity to Asia. He was born in Spain on 7th of April 1506. He came with the Portuguese Viceroy of Goa in 1543, and right away commenced on the task of preaching the teachings of Jesus Christ. To honor his death, ceremonies are performed on 3rd December every year, as this is the day he was put to rest. This day is marked with elaborate feasting all over Goa and many fairs are organized here and there.
Feast of the Three Kings
Each year, scores of devotees and followers gather together at the chapel of Nosa Senhora dos Reis to pray to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception- a support of trust and courage to its people. This day is begun with elaborate mass and prayers and is followed by rejoice and grand feasting. It is a tribute to the three kings who came with gifts to see the Lord in his infant stage.
Bonderam
The festival of Bonderam, which is essentially a grand feasting event, is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of August every year at Divar Island, which is located 12 kilometers from Panaji. The natives celebrate this festival to mark the anti Portuguese protest in Goa. In recent times, this festival usually takes the form a carnival of sorts and is enjoyed by one and all.
Margao Feast
Margao is the commercial hub of Goa and is a developed city. However, people here still retain their traditions and are proudly celebrate them. The Margao feast is celebrated in the end of May and is famous throughout Goa. People come from far away to attend this festival and indulge in feasting and celebration.
