Goa in December

After the Taj Mahal, if there is one place in India that enjoys fame of equal stature among tourists nationally and internationally, it is the state of Goa. Goa witnesses a large influx of tourists from around the globe throughout the year. It is best to visit Goa in December when every corner of the state is lit festivities.

The state has a lot to offer to the tourists in terms of its sunny beaches, its numerous churches standing tall reminiscent of the Portuguese rule in Goa, its delectable Goan cuisine and above all the spirit of Goa which is contagious. As soon as one sets a foot at the place, one is infected with a queer feeling of merry making and gaiety which remains with a person thought his stay in Goa.

Weather of Goa

The month of December in Goa is that of celebrations. December is the best time to visit the state for two reasons the first one being the weather of Goa in December. The climate of Goa is at its best in the month of December. Winter in Goa are neither very chilly nor very warm and the weather is perfect and pleasant to enjoy oneself.

The month of December is an ideal time to be out with family and friends in Goa also for the reason that one is likely to find a lot of events in the month of December in the state of Goa. These are bound to leave one with memories for a lifetime.

Goa Events in December

Few of the most interesting events that take place in the state of Goa are:

Konkani Drama Festival
The festival is mostly held in the month of December and sometimes in November at the Kala Academy in Panaji, Goa. The festival incorporates singing and dancing competitions. Few of the theatre acts also adorn the festival. Prizes are distributed to the winners across different categories.

Food and Cultural Festival
The festival takes place over a span of five days and attracts a lot of visitors from across the country. Any one of the beaches in Goa is chosen as a venue to organize the much awaited festival of the year. When it comes to food, nobody can beat the Goan’s. The festival gives them five days of leisure to indulge in a wide array of Goan cuisine. The glimpses of the culture through various dancing, singing and acting events add to the glitter.

Tiatr Festival
Originating from the word Theatre, Tiatr is a kind of musical that is held each year in the state of Goa in December. The Tiatr generally has performances relating to burning social issues of the time. It comprises of six to seven acts. Tiatrs have a special importance in Christianity and are held at the events that are of significance to the community. Goa has long been and continues to be under the influence of Christianity, which explains for Tiatrs being an important part of celebrations in Goa. The festival is held at Kala Academy in Panaji.

Sunburn Festival
If you are a fan of electronic music than sunburn festival in Goa can be an interesting event for you. The festival held each year in the month of December, brings a plethora of celebrities and live performers to the state of Goa in the month of December. First held in the year 2007, the Sunburn festival in Goa is organized at the shore of the Candolim Beach. The sunburn festival in the year 2011 will be held on 27th, 28th and 29th of December. The list of performers for the event includes names like Michael Woods, Marco V, Markus Schulz, Mad Maxx, AFTC, Anish Sood, DJ Rae, DJ Clement, Funkagenda, Above and Beyond among others. Book your tickets in advance to avoid any inconvenience at the last minute as the festival generally remains a crowded event.

Feast of St Francis Xavier
The feast of St Xavier’s is celebrated every year on 3^rd of December at the Bom Jesus Basilica. The date chosen for the feast is the date of death of St Francis Xavier who died in 1552. A different theme is decided each year for the feast. Nine days of Novenas are held before the actual feast. This highly pious occasion is attended by pilgrims all across the world.

Christmas and New Year
Goa is possibly the best place to celebrate Christmas and New Year in India. So much has been said about celebrations of these occasions in Goa, that it is quite impossible to resist the temptation of visiting the place at the time. The whole of Goa is abuzz with activity and one can hardly remain a detached viewer to all the partying, feasting and drinking. Jaunty faces are seen everywhere enjoying the occasion like there is no tomorrow. The beaches in Goa are the hot spots of all the festivities. They are lined up with food stalls and other entertainment utilities. Loud music makes people groove and they tend to forget all the animosity and become unanimous in celebrating the occasion. Several Hotels and PR agencies organize events featuring popular movie stars.

Tips and Advices for the visitors

• Though the weather of Goa is quite moderate in the month of December, it is advisable to carry a pair of winter clothing.
• Do not be too friendly with the strangers as several people with malicious intentions try to take advantage of the ignorant visitors.
• Do not accept offers like those of cheap drinks and entry to expensive discotheques at affordable prices.
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers and stay away from drugs however strong the temptation may be.
• Book yourself in advance at hotels, pubs and other places that you plan to visit as it is highly likely you want find booking just at the time because of all the rush.

Last updated on: 12/02/2011