Reflecting the rich heritage of Goa in India are numerous festivals, with most of them being religious events. Having been a solitary Portuguese outpost for nearly 500 years, the colonial influence is evident in every nook and corner of the city, from its East-meets-West cuisine to the exquisite architecture. For a city with such an amalgamation of cultures, values and religion, Goa is peaceful and harmonious. Whilst the citys Catholics generally acknowledge and value their Hindu roots, they do celebrate festivals of Christian heritage with much fervour. Among the many festivals held in the city are Good Friday / Easter, Shigmotsav, , Harvest Festival, Goa Carnival, the Feast of our Lady, the Feast of Three Kings, Reis Magos and New Year.
A two-day cultural event held annually in November, Goa Heritage Festival is organized by the Goa Heritage Action Group, Department of Tourism, Corporation of the City of Panaji and Government of Goa. Besides exhibiting the rich cultural heritage of the city, the festival acts as a platform for local artisans and artists to showcase their talent. Captivating the visitors is a display of ethnic Goan folk dances which are part of a diverse programme which also includes interesting demonstrations by local artisans and lectures and presentations on various aspects of heritage preservation.
The festival is an excellent example of how the community and the government team up to focus on maintaining and conserving foundations with an aesthetic value. This year the event will be held on the 1st and 2nd of November at the Campal Heritage Precincts. For the local and foreign tourists who come to admire the works of talented artists and performances of folk dancers and musicians, a range of food stalls will be offering delicious Goan food. Several other must visit events for the travellers to the city are the International Film of India Tiatr Festival and Konkani Drama Festival.
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