The organisers along with the sponsors while cutting the anniversary cake of the 10th World Goa Day Abu Dhabi.
PANAJI
More than 400 Goans and friends of Goa, spanning generations, came together for a celebration of heritage, music, dance and community spirit, as Abu Dhabi Goans marked the 10th World Goa Day Abu Dhabi on October 24.
The milestone celebration was a tribute to a decade of bringing the Goan diaspora together, keeping its cultural traditions alive and strengthening the bonds that connect Goans to their homeland, wherever life takes them.
Abu Dhabi Goans is a community initiative dedicated to bringing Goans together in the UAE capital, celebrating Goan heritage, promoting cultural traditions and fostering friendship, solidarity and a shared sense of identity among the Goan diaspora.
“The global expression of Goan heritage and Goemkarponn – the unmistakable Goan spirit of belonging and togetherness – was reflected in the 10th World Goa Day Abu Dhabi,” said Dreferd Silveira, one of the organisers.
“From senior members of the community reminiscing about home to young adults embracing their heritage and little children running across the dance floor, the celebration was a picture of a culture being passed on from one generation to the next.”
The event offered more than eight hours of entertainment, featuring a line-up of musical performances and international artistes. Popular Goan entertainers and bands, including Tidal Wave, Mark Revlon and DJ Godwin, brought the ballroom alive with music and dance, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the vibrant celebrations of Goa.
One of the memorable highlights was the Jive Competition, which brought participants onto the dance floor to showcase their dancing skills in a style that has become increasingly rare at contemporary social gatherings.
The competition was a reminder of the golden era of ballroom dancing and the timeless appeal of a dance tradition that deserves to be celebrated and preserved.
For the organisers, the event represents a commitment that goes beyond putting together an annual celebration.
“Our commitment has always been to create a banquet-style, high-class event, with over eight hours of entertainment and international artistes, at affordable prices – while remaining loyal to our culture and traditions. We want our community to enjoy an exceptional experience without losing sight of what brings us together: our Goan identity,” said Joaquim D'Souza, another member from the organisers.
“Over its ten editions, World Goa Day Abu Dhabi has established itself as an important fixture in the Goan community calendar. It is not simply about music and entertainment; it is about creating opportunities for people to reconnect, celebrate their roots, build friendships and ensure that younger generations continue to appreciate the richness of Goan culture.”
The organisers expressed their sincere appreciation to the sponsors, partners, performers, volunteers, production teams and everyone who contributed to making the tenth-anniversary celebration a success. Their support and generosity have helped sustain the initiative and make each edition possible.
“As Abu Dhabi Goans celebrate this significant milestone, the message remains as relevant as ever: Goa is not merely the place we come from; it is the heritage we carry, the culture we share and the identity that unites us,” added D'Souza.
