Screams of ‘Viva Sao Joao’ rent the air as they jump in the well, splashing water on the other already-drenched revellers, adorned in floral outfits and a kopel - a headgear made of flowers and fruits. This is a scene of a Sao Joao celebration in a village.
The onset of monsoon in Goa heralds some fun-filled festivals. And one of them is Sao Joao, held in the month of June.
Come June 24, Goa's Catholic community gets ready for the feast day of St John the Baptist. The revelry begins after a prayer service as they jump in a well, a pond or a stream, donning the kopel. The atmosphere is splashed with festivities as people across Goa - regardless of their age or the heavy rains - shake a leg to Konkani tunes, relish seasonal fruits and bond with each other.
Today, Sao Joao parties have crossed the village borders, and spilled over to commercial venues, with live performances and other paraphernalia. If this festival has piqued your interest, head to these venues to experience moments of unforgettable fun and merriment.
RADISSON BLU RESORT, CAVELOSSIM
A 28-minute drive from Goa's commercial capital Margao, Radisson Blu Resort in Cavelossim will kickstart Sao Joao revelry, a little earlier than the festival, on June 22, 2024 (Saturday). The party will include multi-cuisine live buffets, unlimited cocktails, a splash in the pool , rain dance, fun activities, spot prizes and live performances by Shine On, DJ Draeke and DJ Dezlin. The event will be emceed by Merly Curly (Merlyn D’Silva).
WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 2024
WHERE: Radisson Blu Goa Resort, Cavelossim, South Goa
TIMING: 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm
DRESS CODE: Casual (pool costume)
ENTRY FEE: Rs 2,000 (all-inclusive for adults), Rs 1,000 (all-inclusive for kids), below 5 years complimentary.
PEREIRA PARADISE FARM, NUVEM
Elle Agri Treks and Tours has blended tradition with modernity to ring in Sao Joao with its vibrant party that invites revellers, especially newlyweds and new-borns, to experience the festive fervour at Pereira Paradise Farm, Nuvem, Salcete on June 23, 2024 (Sunday).
There'll be music, dance and games as you soak up festivity by the pool, indulge in some scrumptious fruits, Goan delicacies, thalis and non-alcoholic drinks. Ensure to get all the materials for the kopel-making competition, and don’t forget to confirm your slot by June 18, 2024.
WHEN: Sunday, June 23, 2024, 10am onwards
WHERE: Pereira Paradise Farm, Nuvem, Salcete, South-Goa
DRESS CODE: Dress up in something bright and cool, to hang out by the pool
ENTRY FEE: Rs 1,000 per head
CONTACT: 8308847818 (Estrella)
VAMOS, VAGATOR
You can join the Sao Joao celebrations at a event curated by Goa Socials, in association with Vamos. It begins rolling at 3 pm on June 23, 2024 (Sunday). It will have markets selling a range of products by local artisans and will host activities and workshops on coconut crafts. The Sao Joao feel will be infused with Goan dances, tropical beverages and an inflatable pool.
And that's not all. There'll be some captivating live performances by Shanka Tribe and True Blue. So, put on your party wear, kopel and head to Vagator for a fun-filled evening.
WHEN: Sunday, June 23, 2024, 3pm onwards
WHERE: House no 600, Ozran Beach Rd, Vagator, North-Goa
DRESS CODE: Colourful outfits with kopel
TICKETS: Available on Zomato Live
CONTACT: 9561008510
HOLIDAY INN RESORT, CAVELOSSIM
Get ready to revel at this Sao Joao celebration at Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim on June 22, 2024 (Saturday). Sway to the rhythms of traditional Goan music, live performances by Altitude and 24K and the beats of DJ Navin's and DJ Blink's music.
The event will rustle up a good time for you with delectable starters and chaats at its food court, along with rain dance and much more.
WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 2024
WHERE: Fig and Olive Lawn, Holiday Inn Resort, South-Goa
TIMINGS: 12 pm-6 pm
CONTACT: 9552590105/ 9146046024
THE TRADITIONAL SAO JOAO, SIOLIM
The energy and scale of this event, organised by Siolim Sao Joao Traditional Boat Festival and Cultural Organisation and the Directorate of Art and Culture, Goa, will leave you stunned. Join in the revelry of this festival on June 24, 2024 (Monday), hosted at a venue opposite St Anthony’s Church in Siolim.
Treat yourself to an electrifying experience at the boat parade, partake in the contests like the best kopel, best Sao Joao outfit (individual) and best Sao Joao outfit (newly married) and groove to the beats of live Goan bands, captivating performances by famed Goan singers Ester Noronha, Johnny and Reza, Francis de Tuem, Lui, Goan folk dances and more.
WHEN: Monday, June 24, 2024
WHERE: Opposite St Anthony’s Church, Siolim, North-Goa
TIMINGS: 3.30pm onwards
ENTRY FEE: Free