The unique Goan aroma has never failed to surprise us by the grandiose
celebrations of their festivals. Today, Christmas is celebrated on a
grand-scale all over the world especially Christmas in Goa, is not only
about celebrations and fun, its also about meeting and caring about your
family members and loved ones. People from different pockets of India and
all over the world dwell to this seductive place to enjoy Christmas life in
a different way.
When does it fall?
Celebrations of Christmas festival begin on the eve of Christmas on 24th of
December and proceed till New Year's Day. Christians in Goa mark the birth
of Lord Jesus Christ on Christmas Day by participating in prayers organized
in churches. Celebrations of Christmas are showed by carols, cakes, candles
and decoration of Christmas Tree. The festivities for Christmas lasts for
ten days from December 24 th to January 1, the New Year day. Prayers, plays,
parties, carols and fun filled get togethers are a part of Christmas
festivities. Cakes, Christmas trees, gifts and Santa Claus are also an
inseparable attractions of Christmas festival.
Origination of The Festivity
The history of Christmas dates back over 4000 years, as the various custom
and tradition linked with the festival of Christmas, were celebrated
centuries before the birth of Christ. The exact day of the Christ child's
birth has never been nailed. It has been famed since the year 98 AD. In 137
AD the Bishop of Rome ordered the birthday of the Christ Child celebrated as
an earnest feast. In 350 AD another Bishop of Rome, Julius I, choose
December 25th as an honouring of Christmas.
Celebrations Held
A lot of actions happen all around the churches and homes. Colourful balls,
decorated Christmas trees, delicious cakes and Santa Claus moving around in
the streets distributing goodies to the children form the main attractions
of the festival.
Tourists as well as the locals engross themselves in music, dance and the
never-ending spirit. All roads and especially the bewitching beaches of Goa
are clustered by large groups of people enjoying every moment of the
festival with drinks, music and merriment. Costumed in the finest attires,
everyone loves to participate in this great festivity. Beaches and roads are
covered with people, dressed in the best of clothes. Dance and music are is
an inbuilt part of the celebrations. So, people dance all through the night
and offer prayers in the churches in morning. Goan seafood is sure to
satisfy with all the special Goan dishes. Stalls cater to aerated drinks,
alcoholic beverages, ice-creams and snacks. Cultural programmes and fire
works exhibits are also showed. .
