Celebrating Goan Culture in Mumbai: Festa de Goa
Get a taste of Goa in Mumbai at the Festa de Goa, a cultural festival celebrating the rich heritage of Goa. The event will feature discussions, performances, and exhibitions showcasing the best of Goan art, literature, and music.
Festa De GoaGoan CultureMumbaiRoyal Opera HouseAvid LearningReal Estate MumbaiOct 02, 2024
Beyond the postcard-perfect beaches of Goa lies a rich legacy of art, literature, and music that resonates deeply within Goan identity. To celebrate this cultural heritage, the Royal Opera House, Mumbai, and Avid Learning, in association with Stuti Choral & String Ensemble and Furtados, are set to present ‘Festa de Goa’ on October 5 at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai.
“The idea for ‘Festa de Goa’ came to me after speaking at the Goa Heritage Festival in 2022. While presenting the impact of the Royal Opera House on Mumbai’s cultural fabric, Goa’s rich heritage and creative practices struck me, and the idea to bring a celebration of this cultural legacy to Mumbai was born,” says CEO of Avid Learning and curator of the Royal Opera House, Mumbai, Asad Lalljee.
While curating the festival, Lalljee emphasised showcasing the multi-faceted nature of Goan culture. “We carefully selected speakers and performers who could provide deep insights into Goa’s cultural heritage and its evolving identity. The aim was to create a comprehensive experience that would educate, entertain, and inspire our Mumbai audience,” he adds, expressing gratitude to co-founder and co-curator of the Goa Arts & Literature Festival, Vivek Menezes, for his guidance in assembling the line-up.
Although events celebrating Goan culture are common in Mumbai, Lalljee believes there was a need for a more holistic cultural festival. “‘Festa de Goa’ is unique in its scope, bringing together diverse elements like Konkani literature, fado music, and discussions on Goan influence in Mumbai’s history. Our focus is on celebrating and highlighting the deep cultural exchanges and intertwined histories of Goa and Mumbai, as well as the enduring connections between these two dynamic coastal regions across generations,” he says.
The festival will kick off with a series of thought-provoking discussions featuring renowned authors, historians, and cultural catalysts, including Jnanpith awardee Damodar Mauzo, writer and translator Jerry Pinto, and more. They will explore topics ranging from Konkani literature to Goa’s contributions to the global music scene.
Attendees can also look forward to a performance by the Stuti – Choral & String Ensemble conducted by Parvesh Java and a fado music recital by Sonia Shirsat, accompanied by Franz Schubert Cotta (Portuguese guitar) and Carlos Meneses (viola de fado).
Meanwhile, the outdoor lawn will come alive with Goan live music by Allan Vaz, the creator of the World Konkani Music Awards.
Food stalls will have The Coconut Boy, Aiyo Patrao, Poie and Paav, Tinto Feni, and Bombay Duck Brewing Company. The bazaar will also showcase Goa-based brands like Siesta O’Clock and Bandit, while the Crossword Bookstore will present a curated collection of Goan literature.
Sharing his thoughts on the festival honourary director of the Royal Opera House, Mumbai, Ashish Doshi says, “The Royal Family of Gondal’s support for the arts has been paramount in presenting such multi-dimensional cultural narratives. Our hope with ‘Festa de Goa’ is to create a platform that strengthens the cultural ties between Goa and Mumbai.”
He adds that the festival aligns perfectly with the Royal Opera House’s mission to be a premier venue for celebrating the country’s diverse artistic expressions, extending beyond just a performing arts space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festa de Goa?
Festa de Goa is a cultural festival celebrating the rich heritage of Goa, featuring discussions, performances, and exhibitions showcasing the best of Goan art, literature, and music.
When and where will Festa de Goa take place?
Festa de Goa will take place on October 5 at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai.
Who is behind the organization of Festa de Goa?
Festa de Goa is organized by the Royal Opera House, Mumbai, and Avid Learning, in association with Stuti Choral & String Ensemble and Furtados.
What can attendees expect from the festival?
Attendees can expect a series of thought-provoking discussions, performances, and exhibitions showcasing the best of Goan art, literature, and music, as well as food stalls and a bazaar featuring Goa-based brands.
Why is Festa de Goa important?
Festa de Goa is important because it celebrates and highlights the deep cultural exchanges and intertwined histories of Goa and Mumbai, as well as the enduring connections between these two dynamic coastal regions across generations.
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