This feast in Goa is all about praying and having fun in the sea
Kimberly Colaco
TAKING THE PLUNGE
The feast of St Paul and St Peter was celebrated on June 29, 2024 with gusto among locals in Vasco’s Kharewado, where fishermen were seen merrily plunging into the sea.
Goa | St Peter| Boat | Tradition |Celebration | Vasco| Festivals of Goa| Fishing Community | Bumper Crop | Photo: Kimberly Colaco
PATRON SAINT
St Peter, a fisherman himself, is the patron saint of Goa's fishing community, and the one who they turn to when they pray for a bumper fish catch every year.
Goa | St Peter| Boat | Tradition |Celebration | Vasco| Festivals of Goa| Fishing Community | Bumper Crop | Photo: Kimberly Colaco
A TIME TO PRAY
At the chapel in Kharewado, the parish priest offered prayers for the fishing community, and this was followed by the blessing of the sea.
Goa | St Peter| Boat | Tradition |Celebration | Vasco| Festivals of Goa| Fishing Community | Bumper Crop | Photo: Kimberly Colaco
TRADITIONAL PROCESSION
In keeping with tradition, a procession carrying the statue of St Peter was held along the sea route towards the Kharewado jetty.
Goa | St Peter| Boat | Tradition |Celebration | Vasco| Festivals of Goa| Fishing Community | Bumper Crop | Photo: Kimberly Colaco
BLESSINGS FOR A GOOD CATCH
As part of the festivities, around seven canoes, followed by the main boat, were blessed by the priest.
Goa | St Peter| Boat | Tradition |Celebration | Vasco| Festivals of Goa| Fishing Community | Bumper Crop | Photo: Kimberly Colaco
JUMP FOR FUN
Considering that the boats were out at sea, fishermen plunged into the sea following the prayers.
Goa | St Peter| Boat | Tradition |Celebration | Vasco| Festivals of Goa| Fishing Community | Bumper Crop | Photo: Kimberly Colaco
NO FISHING
Interestingly, on the feast day, none of the boats go out on fishing trips, and that includes canoes, too.
Goa | St Peter| Boat | Tradition |Celebration | Vasco| Festivals of Goa| Fishing Community | Bumper Crop | Photo: Kimberly Colaco
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