45th Anniversary of Quebec Goan Association: Gala event, 70’s retro party hosted in Quebec

The Quebec Goan Association organised a gala event to mark its 45th anniversary.

THE QGA'S 45TH ANNIVERSARY

The QGA 45th Anniversary gala event began with a grand march and red carnations were handed to the president and the ex-presidents of QGA to honour them for their service to the association.

The QGA 45th anniversary cake was then cut by the committee, followed by a speech by QGA President Blanche Da Costa.

A small cultural show was later held to mark the occasion. The band ‘Mellow Moments’ from Toronto enthralled the guests at the event. A young budding star, Sarah Rego, performed a rendition of Chris Perry’s song ‘Tuzo Mog’, while Kninoshka Ribeiro and Antonio Da Costa performed the Konkani duet ‘Pipirmit’ by the famous singer Robin Vaz. The talented sisters, Priscilla and Melissa Fernandes, later performed the traditional dance to the song by Remo Fernandes ‘Konkani Amchi Goenchi Bhas’.

There was a photo booth to give the guests the opportunity to take home some memories with them from the night. The food comprised a 3-course meal followed by Goan delicacies such as the batica, bolinhas and a fruit platter.

There was plenty of music, dancing, several prizes throughout the evening. Everyone left home with a souvenir cooler bag with the QGA 45th Anniversary logo. The children were also given gift certificates of their favourite restaurant.

QGA President Blanche Da Costa and her team were widely appreciated for the successful and memorable event.

70’S RETRO DISCO THEME PARTY

The 70’s Retro ‘Let's Go Back to 1977 Disco’ theme party organised by The Quebec Goan Association on October 15.

The QGA committee decided to conduct the 70’s Retro - Let's Go Back to 1977 Disco theme Party on October 15, to commemorate the foundation of the QGA in 1977.

The disco party was a successful event which had several Goans dressed in 70’s style and the DJ music had the young and old dancing away to the 70’s beat.

The hall was decorated with a lot of dazzle and Indian buffet was served on the occasion. People took pictures using the various disco props from the photo booth. A contest was held to choose the best disco costumes and dancers.

The disco party consisted of a number of event theme prizes, raffle prizes and dancing to the tunes of DJ music all through the evening.

THE QUEBEC GOAN ASSOCIATION

In her message on the association’s 45th anniversary, QGA’s first woman president Phyl Gomes-Rodrigues recalled that the Quebec Goan Association was founded in 1977 to foster, to encourage the preservation of Goan culture, to promote traditions enriching Goan heritage and to contribute to Canadian society.

“That said, I can say, although it was a struggle in the early years, we would not be where we are today without the commitment and passion of our Quebec Goan community. I am honoured to be the first woman president of the QGA serving from 1981-1982, and over the years I continued to be of service in various roles on the Executive Committee,” said Gomes-Rodrigues.

“I am also proud to say that the QGA stands as a firm base, not only because of the pioneering spirit of its founding members, but also due to the leadership over the years of presidents & executive committees. Members and guests of the community have also shown support and continue to do so.”

“Through the years, the engagement from the Goan community has helped the success of the QGA. Together, we celebrate and take pride in our accomplishments and dedication to continue to be there for our future generations. We are pleased to see them carry on the QGA as they develop their sense of pride in our Goan culture, thus keeping it firmly alive,” Gomes-Rodrigues added.

The 70’s Retro ‘Let's Go Back to 1977 Disco’ theme party organised by The Quebec Goan Association on October 15.