At a time when tolerance levels are low, a group of Sao Tome residents have got together to organise the second edition of the Festa do Povo (Festival of the People) “to bring the community together”.
Sao Tome and Fontainhas are wards of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) that have kept the embers of the past alive. Societal interaction has been the cornerstone of these wards, and the Festival of the People, being held after the success of last year, hopes to keep tradition alive.
The people’s festival is spread over two days, wherein the artistic elements of cooking, dancing, drawing, singing, playing, acting and conversation are lived.
“This is a festival that brings the community together, not just to relive the past, but to bond it for the future,” says Thomas Menezes, the chairman of the festival committee.
At a time when Sao Tome is gaining ground as an Instagram ward, the residents want to pass on the message that “the community is still alive and the festival is a pad for members of all communities to keep sharing ideas,” says Alu Gomes Pereira, for whom living is all about sharing.
This year on December 14 and 15, from 6 pm onwards, the festival will be held, not in the ward, but just across the Ourem Creek at Patto Plaza, behind the State Bank of India.
“The idea is to keep the community alive with respect for the wishes of all. There were 80 people who signed, claiming they did not want it to be held in the bylanes, so we decided to move out because the idea is to respect the word of every individual,” explains Gomes Pereira, whilst unpacking the essence of community living.
Last year, the Festa do Povo held in the bylanes of Sao Tome was a huge success because, as the title says, the people made it their festival bringing a touch of Portugal, a touch of Goa and embrace of all communities on one stage.
“The Festival of the People is not a Samba Square but an attempt to preserve whatever little there is of our past, because it is the past that has kept us alive so far,” says Gomes Periera, as his eyes flicker in contentment.
Walking around Sao Tome is one experience and living in it is another, and the festival allows visitors to experience the latter – Latin life in Eastern drapes.
“Women from Hindu, Christian and Muslim households are encouraged to bring their food and sell it so everyone gets the taste of our kitchens. Here, whilst keeping our food for taste, we share the uniqueness of our wards,” explains Menezes.
“The memories of the festival held last year linger because the memories of good times cannot be buried. Instead, they have to be carried forward by the next generation, and this festival is the platform for it,” says Maria De Ceu Silva Mendes, as she steps in to fine tune the festival.
“The festival helps bring the old residents back because their heart belongs here. This was the place where we sang, danced, ate and shared together,” points out Menezes, as the team finalises details with members walking in and out.
“The festival captures the joy of the people who organise it. This is one festival that stands out among the many I attended the world over,” confesses Shawn Lobo as he steps in to offer his help.
For a change, the Festival of the People will be witness to a collaboration of art with Sonia Shirsat on vocals, dance through the movements of Bharatnatyam dancers and ballet, even as three to five year old children from Nirmala School will give glimpses of what we can expect from the choirs in the future.
There will also be a stall by Bookworm to bring back reading habits to the young, storytellers will keep alive the art of bedtime stories of Goan folklore and Mangrove protectors will educate on keeping our environment pristine.
Goa hosts plenty of festivals during this festive season, but to those who want a feel of authentic Goa, the Festo de Povo is the place to visit.
Goa hosts plenty of festivals during this festive season, but to those who want a feel of authentic Goa, the Festo de Povo is the place to visit, because Menezes, Gomes Pereira and the rest know how to let the sun set with joy and, in time, help douse intolerance.
DETAILS
WHAT: Festa do Povo December 14 and 15, 2024
WHERE: Pedestrian Spine, Next to Spaces, behind State Bank of India, Patto Plaza, Panaji.
WHEN: December 14 and 15, 2024, 6 pm onwards