Goa Christian Festivals
Goa
Christian Festivals
The Portugal rule in Goa left a deep and ever lasting Christian
influence in this state of India. At that time, people were converted
to Christians on a large scale. Though they follow the Christian
practices and believe in the Christian faith, but they have not
forgotten their roots. People in Goa celebrate
all Christian festivals with much joy and enthusiasm. The houses
are beautifully decorated with lights and flowers and every Christian
house will have a lovely Christmas tree. The splendor with which
they celebrate the Christian festivals is worth seeing. Given
here are some major Christian festivals of Goa.
Good Friday
Every genuine Catholic in Goa celebrates Good Friday with much
devotion and enthusiasm. The Christians decorate their houses
beautifully and the celebrations usually go on till Easter Sunday.
The churches of Goa are beautifully decorated
and all devout Christians visit the churches and take part in
the celebrations.
Christmas
Christmas is undoubtedly the most popular Christian festival in
not just Goa, but all over India. The entire state looks like
a little paradise that is decorated in shades of red, green and
white. December 25th is a very important holiday in Goa
and the entire state is decorated with gleaming streamers. Every
shop has its own Santa Claus to attract customers and it is the
perfect time for merry making.
St. Xavier's Feast
The feast of St. Xavier is celebrated every year on the 3rd December,
marking the death anniversary of this revered saint. St. Xavier
was a saint who came to Goa along with the Portuguese
to propagate the teachings of Christianity to people. He was respected
by one and all in Goa and people followed whatever
he taught. All through Goa, elaborate feasts are organized in
the honor of this saint on this festival.
Margao Feast
Every year in the month of Nay, the Margao Feast is celebrated
in the commercial town of Margao. People from all over Goa
come to Margao to celebrate this festival with joy and enthusiasm.
Feasting and celebration takes place in a large scale all over
Margao.
