Goa Velha's 'Procession of Saints' was a sight to behold

Rohan Fernandes

This year, the annual 'Procession of Saints' at Goa Velha was held on Monday, March 27, 2023.

Goa | Goa Velha saints procession | Procession of saints | Purcao | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

The procession consisted of over 30 statues of Catholic saints, popes, kings, martyrs, queens and cardinals.

Goa | Goa Velha saints procession | Procession of saints | Purcao | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

Statues of 2 of Goa's favourite saints, St Anthony and St Joseph Vaz, were also among the saints in the procession.

Goa | Goa Velha saints procession | Procession of saints | Purcao | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

This unique Lenten procession is held only in Goa and Rome by the Catholic community.

Goa | Goa Velha saints procession | Procession of saints | Purcao | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

This procession was first held in Goa in the 17th century.

Goa | Goa Velha saints procession | Procession of saints | Purcao | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

The statues are placed on special 'charols' (a special kind of palanquin), and carried by four people, who are generally from the village.

Goa | Goa Velha saints procession | Procession of saints | Purcao | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

The procession started from St Andrew's Church and followed a fixed route before returning to the church.

Goa | Goa Velha saints procession | Procession of saints | Purcao | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

The procession began at around 5.30 pm and lasted for about two and a half hours, well after dusk.

Goa | Goa Velha saints procession | Procession of saints | Purcao | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

The statues were placed in a fixed order inside the church, where they are kept for public veneration till March 29, 2023.

Goa|Goa velha saints procession|procession of saints | Photo: Rohan Fernandes

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