Everything you should know about San Joao in Goa
The monsoon season in Goa is a sight to behold. It brings with it light drizzles to heavy rains. At the end of every shower, there are a few moments of calm and the world appears to be brighter and cleaner. The fields look greener, the sky bluer and the world around us encompassed by a serenity unmatched by any other season. If you are lucky enough to visit Goa during this season, you are additionally gifted with the fun and lively feast of San Joao.
What is the Feast of San Joao?
This feast is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is celebrated every year on June 24th. The celebration has biblical references wherein Mary the mother of Jesus (who she was pregnant with at the time) visited Elizabeth her cousin (who was pregnant with John) as soon as she learned of her pregnancy. Elizabeth tells her that “The child in my womb rejoiced.” This, along with the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, has been widely believed to be the reason why during the Sao Joao feast, locals jump or leap into wells, streams, ponds and other nearby water bodies as part of the feast celebrations. It is a very unusual site for tourists to witness but the festivities draw you in regardless.
As the villagers go door to door to seek permission to jump in their neighbour’s wells, they are warmly greeted with trays of fresh fruit such as Mango, Pineapple and the famous sweet Goan delicacy- Patoleo. If you’re lucky enough, an occasional house will even supply you with some delicious and treasured feni (Goan drink made from Cashews). The villagers are also seen enjoying playing various traditional instruments such as the Ghumot (an earthen pot-shaped instrument) and Kansallem (a percussion instrument) and are heard jumping into the wells with the joyful shouts of Sao Joao! Sao Joao! It’s a sight you’ll remember for a very long time. Additionally, most of them are seen wearing kopels, which are crowns made of flowers and leaves, as well as other adornments and vestments made of plants. This is most likely a nod to the fact that St. John wore natural coverings rather than fabric clothing later on in his life.
How Can You Make the Most of Your San Joao Experience in Goa?
Celebrate with the Locals
It is an age-old saying that Goans are known for their hospitality and kindness. They are known to be more than willing to let you be a first-hand witness to this very unusual but fun celebration. You can join the celebration in any village of your choice and follow the procession of people going door to door and partake in the festivities. However, ensure that you are a good swimmer before joining in on any of these activities. It is also important to note that the festivities do not just involve merriment and fun. In fact, before the group begins their festivities a short prayer is said for the benefit of the ongoing monsoon season and for the health and safety of themselves, their families and the state. Read a quick guide to the places around Sinquerim to know more about the Goan villages.
Although many villages celebrate this feast enthusiastically, Siolim in North Goa particularly has been celebrating this feast for over 200 years. Youth groups from the surrounding villages band together to create floats based on specific themes. Work begins several days in advance, and the boats take on the forms of dragons, sea creatures, and other mythical creatures as they make their way down the river, sometimes starting as far away as the Chapora Creek entrance.
The picturesque Chapora river flows through Siolim, past the Church of St. Anthony. The centre of all the fun activity during the San Joao feast is an open space just opposite the Church, on the banks of the river. You can easily partake in this and watch the procession from the banks of the river.
Attend the Various San Joao Parties
If you’re looking for an altogether different scene with more modernity than traditionality, there are many other things you can do on this day. The beach belt and many of the hotels in that area throw fabulous San Joao parties. These parties are meant to resemble the traditional scene in the villages with a modern twist. In the place of traditional music, you will instead find a variety of tunes ranging from Goan songs played by popular Goan bands to the latest English and Hindi hits. In addition to fresh fruits and feni, you will find equally mouthwatering snacks and a variety of other drinks as well as a few Goan delicacies. Finally, in the place of a well, you can celebrate jumping in the hotel’s pool. At some places, you will even be provided with kopels to properly get you in the San Joao spirit. The possibilities are endless at these parties and they continue to get more creative as the years go by.
Take a Cruise Along the Mandovi River
Jumping in wells, water bodies and pools are not everybody’s cup of tea. However, if you still wish to remain close to the water while not having to worry about getting wet, but also ensuring you have a fun and memorable experience, you can take a cruise along the Mandovi River. These cruises are very similar to the parties onshore and have the added benefit of the beautiful river surrounding you. You can opt for this option for a fun yet peaceful time gazing at the fading lights of the day and watching the beautiful hues of the sunset on the river. For a more exclusive experience on the Mandovi River read about the casinos in Goa.
The activities of the day can ensure you an unforgettable experience, however, it can be exhausting. If you wish for a quieter and isolated experience amidst the pandemic, you can choose to lounge by the pool and beach at Marquis Beach Resort. A quick dip in the sea will awaken the San Joao spirit in you. For more information and updates follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Pic Credits- it’s goa
