If you were looking for the physical embodiment of the magic of Christmas, it would be Casa de Antonio in Margao. This is the house of Evan Rodrigues, which comes to life with lights and decorations every Christmas season and fascinates all who behold it, from innocent children to grown adults tempered by life.
And every year there appear revellers who come to take photos and videos against the backdrop of Casa de Antonio. Some even visit the place to film music videos.
A FAVOUR GRANTED
There is a story behind this extravagant lighting and decorations. A few years ago, ill fortune struck Evan during Christmas. “I was struck by misfortune, and I was about to turn off the Christmas lights. After many prayers, a favour was granted to me by God. So, we didn’t put off the Christmas lights as everything turned out fine. To keep the tradition alive and to fulfil the promises I had made, I decorate my house with lights and other decorations,” says Evan, who sets up over 2 lakh lights during Christmas.
NEW DECORATION ADDED EVERY YEAR
Evan and his sons, Antonio and Shane, start the preparations almost a month in advance. “We bring the decorations from Margao itself,” says Evan. The entire house is decorated with string lights, moving Santas and various types of wreaths.
“We have a huge garage and many rooms where we store our Christmas decorations, and every year we use them. Of course, since most of the lights are not used regularly, they tend to malfunction, so we have to replace them,” says Shane, who plans the decoration a few months before Christmas.
BOUNCERS KEPT ON GUARD
Over the years, the house has gained a lot of popularity and recognition, which also means that Evan and his sons have to keep an eye out for ruckus makers. The owners have now decided to keep bouncers and security at the entrance.
“There are a lot of people who visit the place, and a few years ago we decided to stop people from entering. Many come inside and touch the lights or they pull the decorations out. So, to stop that we have kept guards,” says Evan, as he walks towards his car to meet his family.
There are a lot of people who visit the place, and a few years ago we decided to stop people from entering. Many come inside and touch the lights or they pull the decorations out. So, to stop that we have kept guards.
Evan Rodrigues, owner of Casa de Antonio
This may be the Rodrigues family’s way of keeping their promise for a favour received, but this Christmas tradition has certainly put Casa de Antonio on the map as a tourist attraction and a spectacular Christmas sight for those who genuinely appreciate the work that goes into it.
The decoration and lights stay up until after the solemnity of the Epiphany on January 6.