When South Goa leapt with Joy for Sao Joao

LEAP OF JOY

The Sao Joao feast was celebrated across Goa on June 24, with lively celebrations in villages like Siolim, Aldona, Benaulim, Assolna, Raia, Chinchinim, and others.

TRUE SPIRIT

The feast celebrates St John the Baptist, reflecting strong community spirit and joyful togetherness in Goan Catholic culture.

SACRED SPLASH

Young men, and now even young women, leapt into wells and tanks, celebrating Sao Joao with joyful splashes that echoed the saint’s leap of joy and brought the community together.

LEAFY GRACE

Participants wore bright floral wreaths (kopels) on their heads, crafted from fresh wildflowers and green leaves, adding a touch of vibrant tradition to the monsoon celebration.

A NEW ADDITION

Celebrated with June's bountiful rain, the feast, which is evolving, embraced Goa’s lush, rain-soaked landscape through spirited rain dances and lively open-air festivities.

MINI MERRYMAKERS

The feast was celebrated with equal enthusiasm by all—young, old, and visitors alike—bringing together people in a joyful blend of tradition, music, and community spirit.

FOOD AND BONDING

Families and parishes organised meals with traditional Goan dishes like sorpotel and sannas, while trays of jackfruit, mangoes, and other monsoon fruits were exchanged among neighbours.

NEXT: No chaos, no crowds, a Sao Joao in Goa like no other