What is Easter?
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. It is celebrated with great zeal across Goa. Though there is no specific date assigned to the festival, it is decided by the Hebrew calendar and is usually celebrated in late March or early April on the first Sunday after the full moon.
The celebrations begin three days prior with a feast commemorating the Last Supper after the 40-day Lent period. For 40 days, the Christian community observes the period of fasting, prayers and repentance. On the eve of Good Friday, the fasting period ends and families get together to have a sumptuous feast.
Good Friday is the day when Christ was crucified to repent for the sins of mankind. After three days, on Easter Sunday, he came back to life and thus, the community celebrates his coming back.
Easter celebration in Goa is best observed in Panjim as people gather at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church to observe mass. At this church, the mass is read in the regional Konkani language, unlike the usual English in other churches. Attending a mass here during Easter gives a peek into Goan culture that you can never get anywhere else.
Easter celebration in Goa is best observed in Panjim as people gather at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church to observe mass. At this church, the mass is read in the regional Konkani language, unlike the usual English in other churches. Attending a mass here during Easter gives a peek into Goan culture that you can never get anywhere else.
After the mass, a massive cross is taken out for a procession on the Way of the Cross, which is the re-enactment of the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. After this, the people indulge in a meet-and-greet with family and friends and exchange Easter eggs.
As the celebrations kick in after the prayers, Goa sets the mood for the party as no one knows how to party better than Goans. In the evening, you can pick any location to go to for a celebration, as they would all be having a party and the traditional Easter feast.
As the celebrations kick in after the prayers, Goa sets the mood for the party as no one knows how to party better than Goans. In the evening, you can pick any location to go to for a celebration, as they would all be having a party and the traditional Easter feast.
Goa houses some of the most beautiful churches in the country that have gathered the rich colonial history of the place intrinsically and immaculately. Some of the churches that can be visited during Easter in Goa are the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of the Holy Spirit and St. Andrew's Church, among others.
If you plan on being in Goa during Easter, make sure to explore the local culture and savour the scrumptious delicacies served during the festival. Some of the must-try dishes are Vindaloo, Sorpotel, Xacuti and Bebinka.
If you plan on being in Goa during Easter, make sure to explore the local culture and savour the scrumptious delicacies served during the festival. Some of the must-try dishes are Vindaloo, Sorpotel, Xacuti and Bebinka.