December, a time to experience Goan faith and festivities

Franky Gracias

HONOURING TRADITIONS

In Goa, the Christmas month of December is when devotion and revellery intertwine. The month is joyous as its hosts feasts in which ancient traditions are honoured.

Goan feasts | Devotion | Revelry | Celebrations | Ancient traditions | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

OLD GOA

It starts on December 3 in Old Goa, with the feast of St Francis Xavier, who is the patron saint of the State. This feast is also celebrated in Bhatpal, Canacona; Duler, Mapusa; Pirna; and Borim-Shiroda.

Old Goa | St Francis Xavier | Patron saint | Devotion | Photo: Vrutha Karmali

PANJIM

In Panjim, the feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8. The church is the capital city's pride as it stands tall overlooking the touristy Church Square.

Goa | Panjim church | Feast | Church Square | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

BATIM AND CURTORIM

On December 19, Batim in Tiswadi taluka comes alive with the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the church. A day prior, the picturesque village of Curtorim, in South Goa, also celebrates this feast. 

Goa | Batim | Curtorim | Feast | Goa villages | Photo: Franky Gracias

ST ESTEVAM

The St Stephen Church, in Santo Estêvão, celebrates its feast on December 26, a day after Christmas. Santo Estêvão is also called St Estevam or Juvem, which means island. This village lies about 18 km from Panjim.

Goa | St Estevam| Island | Juvem | Church feast | Photo: Venita Gomes

PENHA DE FRANCA

The next day, December 27, is the feast of Our Lady of Penha de Franca in the village of Penha de Franca, which is situated on the banks of the River Mandovi, just a stone's throw from Panjim.

Goa | Penha De Franca Church | Mandovi River | Goa feasts | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

NEURA AND PERNEM

The same day (December 27), the parishioners of Neura, Tiswadi, celebrate the feast of St John the Evangelist Church. Pernem in North Goa, celebrates the feast of St Joseph Church on this day.

Goa | Neura | Pernem | Goa feasts | Devotion | Photo: Venita Gomes

UNITED IN CELEBRATION

With a mix of religious feasts and cultural celebrations, December in Goa is a month-long party, full of tradition, joy, and community spirit.

Goa feasts | Celebrations | December | Christmas | Photo: Gomantak Times

NEXT: December delights to experience in Goa

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