<a href="https://universaladventures.in/state/Goa" target="_blank">Goa </a>bein g a tourist place famous for pristine beaches, is also popular for the architectural richness of churches and cathedrals. This tiny state is home to a diverse mix of people, traditions, and arts. Its cultural heritage and traditions are always cherished in the form of religious and street festivals, carnivals, etc. Amongst the huge list of fairs and festivals in Goa, the Sao Joao festival is the oldest, most exhilarating, and most adventurous celebration you never want to miss. This catholic festival is celebrated as a tribute to St. John, the baptist who baptized Lord Jesus in River Jordan.

<ul>
<li>Feni, an exclusive Goan spirit, is integral to the Sao Joao feast.</li>
<li>The newlywed brides carry a basket of fruits, mangoes, jackfruit, pineapple and bananas to their spouses and sing “Sasumai ponos dadla”, which means, ‘my mother-in-law has sent me a jackfruit’.</li>
<li>We can also find the Goan delicacy Patoleo-a sweet made with rice flour, grated coconut and jaggery. The other delicacy in their basket would be Sannaas-rice cakes.</li>
<li>Other traditional foods served at the Sao Joao feast includes Fish, Mangoes, and Kankonn dipped in brewed moong dal.</li>
<li>Villagers cook feasts free of cost to all visitors and tourists.</li>
</ul>

If you wish to enjoy the commencement of the monsoon with vibrant colors, Sao Joao is a perfect choice. Sao Joao is a celebration for your soul. You can feel your inner child dance and sing with joy and the youth in you being adventurous concurrently. The enjoyments never make you exhausted but transforms you into a more energetic and creative person. Come! Let’s chant “Sao Joao, Viva Sao Joao” next June.

Sao Joao festival is celebrated on June 24th of every year, six months prior to Christmas which is marked as the birthday of Jesus Christ.

According to The Holy Bible, Mother Mary who was told that she would bear a son, had visited Elizebeth who was already conceived with St. John. Upon hearing their conversation on Lord Christ’s arrival, the baby St. John leapt with joy inside the womb. Thus, this festival held at the beginning of the monsoon is marked by youths, leaping and jumping into wells, ponds and other water bodies.&nbsp;

Sao Joao festival is popular in North Goa, particularly in the villages of Siolim, <a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Anjuna" target="_blank">Anjuna</a>, <a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Candolim" target="_blank">Candolim</a>, <a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Calangute" target="_blank">Calangute</a>, and <a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Assagao" target="_blank">Assagao</a>.

<ul>
<li>The festival is marked by men jumping into water bodies to retrieve the gifts thrown in by the villagers.</li>
<li>Sangodd celebration is the main attraction of the day. Two boats are tied together to make sangodd which means unity and junction and its participants wear uniforms to distinguish them from others.</li>
<li>Colourful boat parades and races are organised in Siolim.</li>
<li>Different types of folk dances, parades or Mandos are held. Konkani songs are written for the celebration and accompanied by traditional musical instruments like the gumott and cansaim (cymbal).</li>
<li>The festivities also include revellers unleashing their creativity in making Sao Joao Kopels, the crown made of fruits, flowers and leaves and wearing them, parading in villages, and chanting, “Sao Joao! Viva Sao Joao”.</li>
<li>Sao Joao also includes thanksgiving for newlyweds and families with babies born.</li>
<li>People rejoice in giving gifts to friends and family.</li>
</ul>

A Guide to Sao Joao Festival In Goa In 2022

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