Christmas in Goa
Christmas is to Goa is what the festival of Diwali is to the rest of India. The celebrations of the festival in the state of Goa are as grand as the Christmas celebrations in any other part of the world where Christianity is practiced by a large number of people.
The Christmas celebrations in the state of Goa are unique not because the place is endowed with some special privileges. It is just the spirit of Christmas in Goa that makes the festival known. If you happen to be in Goa at the occasion, don’t be surprised to see complete strangers greeting you with utmost affection and wishing you “Merry Christmas”. The feeling of generosity and brotherhood which guide the festival of Christmas can be best found in Goa.
The reason why the state of Goa is popular as one of the best Christmas destinations in India is because the state has successfully preserved the legacy of the Portuguese who ruled the state of Goa for quite some time. The Portuguese ruled the state of Goa till the early part of the 19th century. During the period, many of the residents of the state adopted Christianity and numerous churches were built in the state. These churches and the converts are responsible for the presence of large number of followers of Christianity in the state of Goa till date which in turn explains for the pomp and show surrounding the festival of Christmas in Goa.
If Christmas is a festival of a great importance to Goa, the state makes sure that the same is conveyed through the celebrations. Just a look at the decorations in the state at the occasion and you will suddenly feel a part of an important event. All the shops, churches, houses are adorned with stars, glittering papers and other decorative items. Ritual of decorating the Christmas tree is among the favorite rituals of children. The churches in the state of Goa organize special masses which are attended by people in large numbers. The eve of Christmas is spent in the churches by people and they only return to their homes after they have been a part of prayers welcoming Jesus Christ, the savior, to the earth. The beach and rave parties held in the state at the occasion witness massive footfall. In fact, these are among the most awaited events of the year for some of the youngsters. If you happen to be in Goa at the occasion you must attend one of these on the condition that you have already secured yourself a place, otherwise you are most likely to be disappointed and might have to return empty handed as most of these events are jam packed. Special Christmas meals and cakes are made at the occasion.
The Christmas Season also happens to be the time of holiday in schools, colleges and offices in Goa, the fact that increases the pleasure of the festival manifolds for people and gives them an occasion to enjoy themselves unhindered till the New Year arrives.
Goa is packed with strangers at the occasion of Christmas. It is the best time for the criminals to give their plans an accomplishment. Stay away from the suspicious characters and the people you don’t know well. Also, making all your bookings to the place well in advance is very essential as all the hotels, restaurants, clubs and other places of tourist interest are full many days prior to the festival.
Last updated on: 12/19/2011
Christmas history of Goa
The reason why the state of Goa is popular as one of the best Christmas destinations in India is because the state has successfully preserved the legacy of the Portuguese who ruled the state of Goa for quite some time. The Portuguese ruled the state of Goa till the early part of the 19th century. During the period, many of the residents of the state adopted Christianity and numerous churches were built in the state. These churches and the converts are responsible for the presence of large number of followers of Christianity in the state of Goa till date which in turn explains for the pomp and show surrounding the festival of Christmas in Goa.
Christmas Celebrations in Goa
If Christmas is a festival of a great importance to Goa, the state makes sure that the same is conveyed through the celebrations. Just a look at the decorations in the state at the occasion and you will suddenly feel a part of an important event. All the shops, churches, houses are adorned with stars, glittering papers and other decorative items. Ritual of decorating the Christmas tree is among the favorite rituals of children. The churches in the state of Goa organize special masses which are attended by people in large numbers. The eve of Christmas is spent in the churches by people and they only return to their homes after they have been a part of prayers welcoming Jesus Christ, the savior, to the earth. The beach and rave parties held in the state at the occasion witness massive footfall. In fact, these are among the most awaited events of the year for some of the youngsters. If you happen to be in Goa at the occasion you must attend one of these on the condition that you have already secured yourself a place, otherwise you are most likely to be disappointed and might have to return empty handed as most of these events are jam packed. Special Christmas meals and cakes are made at the occasion.
Christmas the holiday season
The Christmas Season also happens to be the time of holiday in schools, colleges and offices in Goa, the fact that increases the pleasure of the festival manifolds for people and gives them an occasion to enjoy themselves unhindered till the New Year arrives.
Important Tips to celebrate Christmas in Goa
Goa is packed with strangers at the occasion of Christmas. It is the best time for the criminals to give their plans an accomplishment. Stay away from the suspicious characters and the people you don’t know well. Also, making all your bookings to the place well in advance is very essential as all the hotels, restaurants, clubs and other places of tourist interest are full many days prior to the festival.
Last updated on: 12/19/2011