Music and dance are a part of every Goan festival. The Goan Hindu community celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa, Diwali, Dussehra, Holi, Rakshabandhan, Ramnavmi and Janmashtami.
The biggest Christian festivals are Christmas and the Feast of St Francis Xavier. The Feast is held in December at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in old Goa. St Xavier is the patron saint of Goa. His body has been preserved for centuries and lies in an exquisite silver casket at the Basilica. It is displayed to the public every ten years.
Goa is famous for its Carnival - an annual four-day celebration that begins on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. Energetic rhythms of guitars, folk songs and drumbeats accompany a colourful parade of floats and dancing troupes, complete with clowns and people in fancy dresses. The lead float is that of King Momo (a person chosen every year to 'rule' Goa for four fun-filled days).
The Monte music festival is something new in Goa. Started a few years back, this four-day event celebrates the Western classical and Indian classical forms of music. It is held at a centuries-old chapel on the hill at old Goa.
The seafood festival is a five-day event that focuses on seafood and the unique Goan cuisine. Famous Goan chefs, restaurants and even housewives erect stalls. Definitely the place to visit if you are a foodie!
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