NICOLE SUARES
Affectionately known as the ‘Festival Man,’ Marius Fernandes enters his 25th year of organising sustainable, community-driven festivals. As he prepares for a summer filled with unique celebrations, Fernandes reflects on the spirit of inclusivity that defines his work.
"Goa has long been celebrated for its vibrant culture, rich traditions, and a deep sense of community. In 2025, this spirit comes alive through a series of inclusive and accessible people’s festivals, each honouring a unique facet of Goan life," he shares.
With 25 years dedicated to social responsibility, these festivals not only pay tribute to Goa’s past but also foster a more connected and culturally aware future," he adds.
The year began with a celebration of unity at ‘Ekvottachem Fest’ in January, which was held in Corlim, North Goa. This unique gathering showcased Goa’s cultural diversity through engaging discussions, traditional performances, and interactive community activities that brought people together across various backgrounds.
With an exciting lineup of festivals ahead, here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
Affectionately known as the ‘Festival Man,’ Marius Fernandes enters his 25th year of organising sustainable, community-driven festivals.
FEBRUARY: Festival of Paddy – Honouring Goa’s staple food
A true Goan xitt-koddi (rice and curry) meal is incomplete without its staple ingredient — rice. To celebrate Goa’s agrarian heritage, the ‘Festival of Paddy’ will be held in Chinchinim, South Goa.
The event will spotlight sustainable farming, traditional rice varieties, and the role of paddy cultivation in Goan cuisine and culture. Farmers, culinary experts, and cultural enthusiasts will engage in discussions, share knowledge, and of course, enjoy delicious rice-based delicacies.
MARCH: ‘Potekar Fest’ and ‘Khoshi Lokanchem Fest’ – Celebrating masks and inclusion
March will bring a double dose of festivities, beginning with the ‘Potekar Fest’ in St Mathias, Divar Island. This event revives the mysterious and playful tradition of Potekar, where masked revellers roam the village during the Carnival season.
Unlike mainstream Carnival celebrations, Potekar Fest focuses on local folklore, handcrafted masks, and age-old customs passed down through generations.
Adding to the cultural tapestry, the first-ever ‘Khoshi Lokanchem Fest’ at the Goa College of Home Science in Panjim will champion diversity and inclusion.
Adding to the cultural tapestry, the first-ever ‘Khoshi Lokanchem Fest’ at the Goa College of Home Science in Panjim will champion diversity and inclusion. Translating to a ‘festival of happy people,’ this event welcomes individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, and communities for meaningful conversations, cultural exchanges, and creative expressions.
With many more vibrant celebrations lined up, Marius Fernandes’ festivals continue to bring Goans together, honouring the past while building a future rooted in culture, unity, and sustainability.
APRIL: A month of sustainability with the ‘Honey Festival’ and ‘4M Fest’
April will usher in two ground-breaking festivals, each dedicated to Goa’s environment and agricultural heritage.
HONEY FESTIVAL: Bees, often overlooked in conservation conversations, play a crucial role in biodiversity and food production. With bee populations rapidly declining, this festival aims to raise awareness through interactive workshops, honey tastings, and expert-led discussions on the importance of pollinators in sustaining ecosystems.
4M FEST – Mushrooms, millets, mangoes and music. Taking place in Old Goa, this festival will unite farmers, musicians and culinary artists in a celebration of sustainable eating, organic farming, and traditional Goan produce.
Through engaging sessions, attendees will explore the nutritional and cultural significance of these homegrown ingredients, accompanied by soulful music that echoes the essence of Goa.
May: ‘Kamdaranchem Fest’ and a historic culmination
May will be a defining month as Festakar, Marius Fernandes, marks 25 years of individual social responsibility, closing this milestone journey with a powerful tribute and a grand finale.
KAMDARANCHEM FEST: Dedicated to Goa’s hardworking labour force, this festival honours the contributions of workers across diverse fields — from traditional occupations to modern industries. Recognising their resilience and dedication, the event will celebrate the unsung heroes who have shaped and sustained Goa’s economy.
Dedicated to Goa’s hardworking labour force, this festival honours the contributions of workers across diverse fields — from traditional occupations to modern industries.
THE GRAND CULMINATION: The final festival of this historic year will be a momentous gathering of communities, artists, historians and festival-goers who have been part of Fernandes’ remarkable journey.
A highlight of the event will be the launch of his biography, chronicling his 25-year mission of preserving and promoting Goa’s culture through people’s festivals.
As Festakar Marius Fernandes prepares to bring the curtain down on a quarter-century of social responsibility, these festivals stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to Goa’s cultural and social fabric. More than just celebrations, they are movements — ensuring that Goa’s traditions, stories, and people remain at the heart of its future.
This year, it’s not just about celebrating festivals — it’s about celebrating Goa, its people, and a legacy of cultural empowerment.