There is no doubt that in Goa the season of Christmas has a special air about it. Nostalgia, Christmas grub, and Christmas lights and decorations – all add to the magic of the occasion. It is this distinct character of Christmas in Goa that attracts all of India to the State.
And if you haven’t made up your mind yet about your Christmas vacation, we at Gomantak Times Digital are here to tell you why Goa should be on your travel list this year during Christmas and New Year.
SHAKE A LEG AT DANCES
If you know all the right moves, then Goa’s Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dances are for you. The venues for these dances are usually wedding halls, and the party goes on until dawn.
Marina Dias, a teacher from Margao, is planning to go to a dance this Christmas Eve in South Goa to revel in the festive atmosphere with her husband and friends. “Last year we went to a venue in Verna and it was a lot of fun. We also won a spot prize,” says Marina.
All fans of live music and DJs need to experience a Christmas or a New Year’s Eve dance. With excellent music, you can celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year with your loved ones.
All fans of live music and DJs need to experience a Christmas or a New Year’s Eve dance. With excellent music, you can celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year with your loved ones.
EXPLORE CHRISTMAS CRIBS
The representation of the Nativity scene, or a crib, is an interesting aspect of Goan Christmas celebrations. All over Goa, you’ll find places where you can stop and take in the creativity of Goans.
Betalbatim in South Goa, in particular, is noted for the cribs made in various locations. Some restaurants like Da Tita will also be featuring a walk-in crib this year.
“The staff at Da Tita are very excited about the crib, and they are working towards getting major work done on it. Initially, I thought it would be very small, but eventually it turned out to be massive. I’m happy to see them put in so much effort,” says Surya Alice Minnelli of Da Tita by Magic Italy.
BURNING OF THE OLD MAN
The burning of the old man before the New Year is another unique tradition in Goa. It is about letting go of the old and the past. An effigy of the old man is created dressed in old clothes and stuffed with hay and other material. This old man is then burned as the clock strikes at midnight.
Anna Dsouza from Vasco reminisces about her time making and burning the old man effigy at midnight. “We used to use old clothes and fill them with hay, which was easily available in the area. The clothes were filled with hay making it look like a person and was taken door to door. The face was usually a papier mache one. People would give us 50 paisa or a rupee, and at midnight we would burn it. This tradition still has a deep connection with me,” says Anna.
And there you have it – three unique reasons to make Goa your holiday destination this Christmas season.