Goa revels in the Sao Joao spirit

Katia Goes

IT'S SAO JOAO

Music, tradition, flowers and more than just a splash of festivity is what was in store this June 24 as people all over Goa celebrated the monsoon festival of Sao Joao.

Goa| Sao Joao| Monsoon festival| Festivals of Goa | Photo: Sandeep Desai

TRADITIONAL FUN

A pleasant mix of Goan music, tradition and getting together defined the birthday celebration of Sao Joao (Saint John the Baptist).

Goa| Sao Joao| Monsoon festival| Festivals of Goa | Photo: Sandeep Desai

RAIN DANCE

Revellers attended various parties hosted all over Goa that included dancing in the rain and jumping into wells and other water bodies.

Goa| Sao Joao| Monsoon festival| Festivals of Goa | Photo: Sandeep Desai

KOPEL AND MORE

Fruits are part and parcel of Sao Joao, and you will be surprised to know that some kopels (floral headgears) also include fruit that is often seen hanging from the kopels on people's heads.

Goa| Sao Joao| Monsoon festival| Festivals of Goa | Photo: Sandeep Desai

FESTIVE ALBUM

High on enthusiasm and festive fever, these women posed for a picture that they later captioned as 'Sao Joao 2024' and saved for keepsake.

Goa| Sao Joao| Monsoon festival| Festivals of Goa | Photo: Sandeep Desai

ONE AND ALL

Sao Joao festivities come with no age barrier. While the adults dance and make merry, kids entertain themselves and splash around the water (of course, with floaters on).

Goa| Sao Joao| Monsoon festival| Festivals of Goa | Photo: Sandeep Desai

UNTIL NEXT YEAR

The calendar flips its pages as years come and go, but the Goan spirit of Sao Joao lives on long before the festival arrives and stays put even long after it has left.

Goa| Sao Joao| Monsoon festival| Festivals of Goa | Photo: Sandeep Desai

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