Goa Festival in Colva: As summer temperatures soar, cooling drinks like urrak cocktails and refreshing neero become popular choices to stay cool. Now, get ready to beat the summer heat at the Spirit of Goa Festival to be held from May 2 — 4 at the scenic SAG Grounds, Colva, South Goa.
The three-day event will feature 40 stalls and a wide spectrum of locally-distilled beverages — from the traditional and GI-tagged cashew feni, to innovative feni infusions, premium gins, craft beers and exotic spirits crafted from imported and indigenous raw materials.
A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE
Distillers will also present exciting new ventures in wines and agave-based spirits, highlighting the dynamic future of Goa’s beverage industry.
Tourism Director, Kedar Naik, said that at the festival, locals and tourists will gain insights into the indigenous processes of fermentation and distillation of the cashew fruit, the unique role of coconut and cashew in spirit production, and the evolution of Goan craft beverages.
This festival aims to foster a greater appreciation of Goa’s artisanal expertise while highlighting the innovation that continues to shape the local liquor industry today.
Kedar Naik, Goa Tourism Director
“This festival aims to foster a greater appreciation of Goa’s artisanal expertise while highlighting the innovation that continues to shape the local liquor industry today," Naik said.
The entertainment line-up will showcase a blend of traditional and contemporary Goan culture, including live bands, folk dance performances and DJ sets that celebrate Goa’s eclectic music scene.
There will also be interactive workshops, culinary demos and cultural storytelling sessions, offering attendees a rich and engaging festival experience.
FOODIES DELIGHT
Moving beyond coconut and cashew-based dishes, the food curation will embrace local ingredients such as banana flower, kokum, raw jackfruit, bimbli and mango, bringing together authentic Saraswat, Konkan and Catholic cuisines, alongside contemporary Goan fusion creations.
Innovative cocktail pairings will further enhance the gastronomic experience. The festival will also feature Vindaloo, seafood delicacies, bebinca, sanna and a variety of Konkan dishes.
BEING SUSTAINABLE IS KEY
Organising festivals means that besides food and drink, a lot of garbage is created. But, the Tourism Department believes in sustainability and community engagement.
“These are integral to the festival’s ethos,” says Naik. “Initiatives include the use of eco-friendly materials across the festival venue, partnerships with local waste management agencies to ensure responsible waste disposal and promotion of reusable or biodegradable serveware.”
The food curation will embrace local ingredients such as banana flower, kokum, raw jackfruit, bimbli and mango, bringing together authentic Saraswat, Konkan and Catholic cuisines, alongside contemporary Goan fusion creations.
Additionally, workshops and talks will highlight Goa’s efforts towards regenerative tourism, encouraging attendees to become conscious travellers who support local communities and ecosystems.
So, mark your calendars and chill out at the Spirit of Goa Festival this May.
DETAILS
WHAT: Spirit of Goa Festival
WHERE: SAG Grounds, Colva, South Goa
WHEN: May 2, 2025 to May 4, 2025
TIMINGS: 7 pm onwards
ENTRY FEE: Nil