Whether you’re a party animal or a bookworm, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of pure excitement. With happenings galore in the very first month, Goa promises to take you on a journey of inclusivity, devotion, adventure and fun.
Mark these events on your calendar so as not to miss out on any.
FEAST OF THREE KINGS
Three wise men followed a star to meet the Saviour of the World in a little manger. And in Goa, the feast of the Epiphany or the Three Kings is celebrated on January 6 and is culturally unique.
Three villages – Chandor, Cansaulim and Reis Magos – celebrate it with deep-rooted traditions and festivities. In these parishes on the feast day, young boys or men dress up as kings, ride on horses, make offerings of gold, frankincense and myrrh at the crib and partake in a procession.
DATE: January 6, 2024.
INTERNATIONAL PURPLE FEST 2024
India’s one-of-a kind platform that celebrates persons with disabilities (PwDs), the Purple Fest, is all set for its second edition this January in Goa. Going international this year, the festival aims to discuss measures to make an inclusive society and recognise the boundless potential of PwDs, hosting sport events, musical performances and more.
DATE: January 8 to 13, 2024.
FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH VAZ
Born in Goa’s Benaulim village, St Joseph Vaz carried out his missionary works far from home and became the first saint to have been canonized in Sri Lanka in 2015. This year, the novenas for the feast of Goa’s beloved saint begin on January 7 and will continue till January 15, 2024 with the solemn feast that draws thousands of devotees on January 16, 2024 at Sancoale.
FEAST DATE: January 16, 2024.
LOCATION: Old Church of Our Lady of Health, Rua Escravo de Maria, Sancoale.
FEAST DAY MASS TIMINGS: 5 am, 6 am, 7.15 am, 8.30 am, 10.00 am (High Mass), 12 pm (Mass at the Oratory Room of the Saint in Sancoale), 4 pm and 5 pm (in English).
PARTIES TO LOOK OUT FOR
Goa never hits the snooze button on the party season and in 2024 you can be right where the party gets started.
SHAPORA FESTIVAL
With a dynamic line-up that features first time acts in India, this two-day psytrance festival will set in an energetic and lively atmosphere on the shores of Goa.
DATE: January 12 to 13, 2024.
LOCATION: Dream beach, Vagator.
TIMINGS: 6 pm onwards.
GOA SUNSPLASH
For those who love reggae music, look no further as Goa Sunsplash is back. A line-up that includes superstars Anthony B, Queen Omega, Iration Steppas and many more is sure to keep you grooving all night.
DATE: January 13 to 14, 2024.
LOCATION: AntiSocial, Morjim.
BOOK FAIRS
If reading more is on your New Year's resolution list, check out these two book fairs taking place this January offering a selection of books to choose from.
JOY OF BOOKS AT MARGAO
A unique opportunity to explore the world of literature and dive into the works of authors from across the country, this annual Goa Book Fair in Margao is a must visit. Not just a wide selection of books but general readers including children will be able to find books in varied languages.
DATE: January 4 to 8, 2024.
LOCATION: Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, South Goa.
TIMINGS: 10 am to 8 pm.
UNLIMITED BOOKS AT THIS FAIR
An opportunity for book lovers to pick more books at a lesser rate by loading their picks into a box and paying only for the size of the box – small box at Rs 1199, approx 10-12 books; medium box at Rs 1799, approx 17-18 books; large box at Rs 2999, approx 28-30 books.
Find pre-owned books from different genres including children's books, encyclopedias, board books, thriller, crime, romance, self-help, travel, fitness, autobiography and much more.
DATE: January 19 to 28, 2024.
LOCATION: Bal Bhavan, St Inez Road, Campal- Panjim.
TIMINGS: 10.30 am to 9 pm.
