5 Reasons to Visit the Friday Night Market in Goa
When was the last time you visited a market that just evoked a sense of awe and delight in you? A market that gave you a different kind of vibe apart from just being a place for shopping?
Luckily in Goa, there exist certain furtive markets that are completely unknown to the general populace which will surely impress you. These markets are the alternative, upbeat bohemian, and hippie places of Goa that will transport you to another world entirely. Prepare to uncover a side of Goa beyond its beach shacks and casinos when you visit.
One of these markets among many is the Friday Night Market, also called The Goa Collective Bazaar. You can find this market at Hilltop, Vagator. It’s very famous and anyone will guide you there. The market opens at about 3.30 pm and lingers past midnight. There is a fee of 100 rupees for entry, so the experience does come at a small cost. What makes this market stand out is that you won’t find the usual touristy knick-knacks for sale, but it’s more of an exhibition center of creativity, culture, and uniqueness that’s evident in the events and items that are showcased here.
Let’s delve into the Top 5 reasons to visit the Friday night market.
1) Visit The Friday Night Market for a Glimpse into Alternative Lifestyles
This isn’t your typical shopping mall or local bazaar. You won’t get groceries or branded clothes here. This market is about celebrating a bohemian, hippie, and psychedelic culture. It’s a market for those who live unconventional lives – travelers, artists, artisans, passion-preneurs, and wanderers.
The entire crowd present at the market comprises different people- mostly Europeans interspersed with Indians and a few Goans. In other words, a cosmopolitan amalgamation- a variety of people coming together to live harmoniously and revel in each other’s cultures. If you want to interact with foreigners and learn more about their perspectives, then this is a good place to meet them.
This market has live music set by DJs and underground bands, international-style alternative clothing boutiques, palm reading, healing crystals, vegan food, alcoholic beverages, unique jewellery, and even a haircutting salon. Almost everything here is artisanal and handcrafted with purpose. It’s unequivocally clear that this isn’t your ordinary flea market.
2) The Art, Crafts, Clothing, and Spirituality
Are you a free-spirited person? Perhaps you like wearing swanky clothes and jewellery that look a world apart from fast fashion or formal attire. At the Friday Night Market, there is a cornucopia of unique things to purchase to celebrate your individuality.
Almost everywhere you look, you will come across clothing vendors selling you stuff that totally deviates from regular clothing. All the clothing has a bohemian, tropical, European, and nomadic vibe with lots of intricate embroideries and comfortably lose flowing tailoring. You can even find trance music-inspired clothing for nightclubs designed to glow in club lighting. There is also traditional Indian-style clothing and swimwear. Some of these designers use eco-friendly fabrics, if that interests you then do check them out.
If you have an affinity for the mystical and supernatural then you’ll like this market. Some vendors will sell you spiritual items, precious stones, crystals, incense, and dream catchers which might resonate with you. There’s also a tarot reading cards shop in one corner if you search carefully.
If you love artisanal handicrafts you’ll find a gamut of things to intrigue you which include handmade necklaces, earrings paintings, home decor, anklets, bracelets, perfumes, handbags, soaps, and even organic natural items. This is a great time to embellish yourself with creations that have a touch of intimacy and love embedded in them. As opposed to something that’s mass-produced and commercial, you’ll surely feel good purchasing from local vendors.
3) Savour an Array of Delicious Food Options
Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure, there’s no end of food stalls once you reach their food court. There’s a myriad of stalls that serve all sorts of global cuisine. Many of these are run by foreigners so you are guaranteed to taste authentic delicacies.
Watch out for Eddies Suey My Way, Mango Tree, Artjuna, and Mama Kenya as they are quite renowned for their savoury foods. If your craving your favorite food, chances are that the Friday Market has a stall made for you. Whether it’s greasy shawarmas, healthy vegan foods, sweet cupcakes, gelato ice creams, Pan Asian food, fresh juices, tantalizing biryanis, or sizzling barbeques- the bazaar is replete with options.
4) Drink Alcoholic Beverages
When was the last time you got a little buzz while shopping? Never? Well, don’t worry, because you can grab yourself some cocktails and beer at the bar stalls here. A little inebriation surrounded by merry lights, swinging music, and energetic people are sure to get you in the mood.
5) Dance and Music
Once you are done shopping and getting a wee bit intoxicated, you can go towards the performance area. You can’t miss this place with all its lights and energy. The atmosphere here is really Panglossian and chill. Prepare to be dazzled by the tunes of artists singing and performing with an explosive passion. There’s a lovely seating arrangement with plastic chairs for the audience to sit and unwind. So do sink into one of those and immerse yourself in the exhilaration of the night.
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