PANAJI
The ‘Viva Goa Festival’ organised by The Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A) Toronto at Father Kamber Park in Mississauga on July 26 from 11 am to 8 pm showcased an entirely Canadian lineup, creating a historic celebration for the Goan-Canadian community that was both deeply rooted in tradition and contemporary.
For the first time in recent memory, the festival celebrating World Goa Day featured exclusively Canadian talent, proving that the Canadian-Goan community has cultivated a remarkable depth of artistic talent.
A number of dignitaries, which included local political representatives and community leaders, were present at the event, acknowledging the cultural significance of the event.
The formal welcome note featuring G.O.A. Toronto President Selwyn Collaço and other dignitaries provided recognition of the festival's importance within the broader Canadian multicultural landscape.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
The ‘Viva Goa Festival’ featured several musical performances by the Canadian-Goan community.
Grenville Pinto played the violin and soulfully interpreted traditional Goan melodies, seamlessly woven with contemporary arrangements. His technical prowess combined with genuine emotional expression captivated the crowd throughout his set.
Velrose Pereira's trumpet performance and her rich, golden tone filled the park with warmth, and her ability to navigate between jazz-influenced pieces and traditional Goan folk melodies showcased remarkable versatility.
Dahlia Fernandes' debuted her new single, announcing the arrival of a significant new talent in the Canadian-Goan music scene. The original composition balanced English and Konkani lyrics, creating a sound that felt both familiar and entirely fresh.
Mack Dias delivered a compelling solo performance that showcased his vocal range and charismatic stage presence, demonstrating the versatility of his musical prowess.
DJ John Sylvan’s seamless transitions between performances and ability to read the crowd's energy kept the momentum flowing perfectly with his curated playlist during intermissions featuring a blend of Goan classics and contemporary hits.
Emcee Marshal Fernandes held the entire event together with his bilingual presentations in English and Konkani, keeping the audience connected to the deeper meaning behind each performance.
Don Lazar brought his signature storytelling approach to the stage, weaving narratives between his original songs that provided a taste of country music and personal connection.
Other artistes as Serah Barbosa and Raymond Menezes offered a nostalgic journey through classic Goan favourites that resonated with older audience members.
‘The Band Syndicate’ delivered a high-energy set that had families dancing together on the grass, with their tight harmonies and polished arrangements of both covers and original material.
The dynamic performance style and musicianship of the ‘D@t Band’ to seamlessly blend contemporary arrangements with traditional Goan melodies captivated the audience.
The ‘Big Foot’ brought stage presence and a robust sound with their performance, prompting people singing along to their popular tracks.
The ‘Desert Storm’ brought an unexpected edge to the proceedings, proving that Goan musical tradition can successfully embrace diverse genres.
The ‘Menezes Family Project’ offered intergenerational performance that embodied the festival's community spirit, as family members of different ages performed together and created some of the day's most emotionally resonant moments.
The ‘Goa Amigos’ along with Lawry Rodrigues closed the evening with a celebration of classic Goan folk songs that had the entire crowd singing along, providing an emotional crescendo to the day's festivities.
BEYOND THE MUSIC
The festival offered multiple levels of entertainment beyond its musical offerings.
The Goencho Mando (CLR Mando troup) added traditional authenticity, while the The G.O.A. Kidz showcased the next generation of talent with their presentations that included a dance performance and a fashion show along with musical showcases.
The Kids Corner kept younger attendees engaged with art activities, crafts, and games while parents enjoyed the performances. The scavenger hunt using ‘Viva Goa Passports’ encouraged families to explore all corners of the festival.
The food vendors offered an authentic taste of Goan cuisine that complemented the cultural experience. From traditional Goan food to Bebinca desserts, the culinary offerings were both delicious and reasonably priced.
People were happy to be back to the old Viva Goa Venue at Father Kamber Park was a welcoming return and though there was limited parking on site, additional parking and shuttle service was appreciated.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
“What made this festival truly special was its celebration of cultural evolution. Rather than being a static preservation of tradition, the event demonstrated how Goan culture has grown and adapted within the Canadian context,” said G.O.A. President Selwyn Collaço, the main organiser of the ‘Viva Goa Festival’.
“The all-Canadian lineup wasn't just a programming choice, it was a statement about the vitality and creativity of the diaspora community. By featuring exclusively Canadian talent, the festival proved that the Goan-Canadian community has not only preserved its heritage but has actively contributed to Canada's multicultural tapestry in meaningful and creative ways.”
Sheref Sabawy, member of provincial parliament, acknowledging the Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A) Toronto, in the presence of G.O.A. Toronto President Selwyn Collaço
“The integration of English and Konkani throughout the performances created an authentic bilingual experience that reflected the reality of Canadian-Goan identity. Young performers confidently switching between languages mid-song captured something essential about maintaining heritage while embracing a new homeland.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT, ORGANISATION
Collaço said there were over 100 dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring the ‘Viva Goa Festival’ to life.
“From setup crew to security, from children's activity coordinators to food service support, parking assistance to shuttle services, these community members embodied the collaborative spirit that makes Goan culture so special. Their professionalism and genuine enthusiasm were evident in every aspect of the festival experience,” he acknowledged.
The event was sponsored by a number of well-wishers, with the lead sponsors being De Sa & Associates and The Litigators demonstrated their commitment to community cultural preservation.
