Goa’s green cover and its extensive beaches make for a most stunning holiday destination, but Goa is also home to some highly-anticipated events. And one such is the Monte Music Festival (MMF) that happens annually, celebrating the joy of music, passion of artistes and the love for culture.
This year the MMF returns to its original setting, the Chapel of Our Lady of Monte, pumping back life into the heritage site in Old Goa. Under the resplendent setting sun, as the River Mandovi flows below and against the backdrop of whitewashed spires shooting out of green trees, musicians and dancers will perform for two days.
Presented by Fundacao Oriente and Cidade de Goa, this year the festival will be held from February 2 to 4. Apart from the hilltop at the chapel of the Monte in Old Goa, it will, on the last day (February 4), move to the South to the coastal village of Benaulim.
MMF is Goa’s showpiece festival, quite unlike any other. It brings on the same stage, Goan, Indian and International performers, exponents of the classical and contemporary, in a breathtaking performance that few other festivals are capable of offering.
Started in 2002, after the restoration of the XVI century Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte by Fundacao Oriente, the festival aims to foster a dialogue between Western and Indian classical performing arts. And year after year, come February, the courtyard and the chapel itself host a series of concerts, inspiring musicians and the attendees alike.
People are invited to come and dive into this truly unforgettable experience. On the initial two days of the festival, encounter the soft melodies on the sitar by Dr Sweekar Katti and friends and enchanting Indian dance performance and a Portuguese musical act at the idyllic courtyard of the chapel.
Taking the festival to the beautiful St John the Baptist Church in Benaulim in South Goa on the last day, the Paranjoti Academy Chorus, a 34 member a capella group will take centre stage to deliver a memorable performance.
THREE-DAY EVENT SCHEDULE
Day 1: FEBRUARY 2, 2024 at Chapel of Our Lady of Mount, Old Goa
5.45 pm: Sitar Recital - “Classical Instrumental Fusion” by Dr Sweekar Katti and Friends
Day 2: FEBRUARY 3, 2024 at Chapel of Our Lady of Mount, Old Goa
5.45 pm: Mitali & Raul - Pradaya| A blessing (An amalgamation of Odissi and Bharatnatyam dance forms)
7 pm: “Between Women” by Ana Paula Russo (vocals) & Nuno Dias (Portuguese Guitar)
Day 3: FEBRUARY 4, 2024 at St John the Baptist Church, Benaulim
6 pm: Paranjoti Academy Chorus| A Capella Repertoire
PARKING
Parking of private vehicles won’t be permitted at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, Old Goa. Attendees are requested to avail of the shuttle service provided from Gandhi Circle, Old Goa. Parking of private vehicles is, however, permitted at the venue in South Goa.
ENTRY FEE
Free, no pass required
