The CLR Association, a community comprising Goans hailing from Curtorim, Loutolim, and Raia who have settled in Canada, celebrated the São João feast with great enthusiasm at the Goan Community Centre in Toronto on June 20, bringing together members of the community for an evening of tradition and fellowship.
The festivities began with the traditional Ladainhas, followed by a welcome address delivered in Konkani with an English translation, highlighting the importance of preserving language and heritage.
The celebration featured music, dance, and active participation from attendees, with community members joining in Konkani songs. A highlight of the event was the Kopel competition, where participants showcased their creativity and cultural pride.
Entertainment reached its peak with a lively performance by Mack D, the multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Candida, and beats by DJ Ronzstar. Their energetic mix of traditional and contemporary Konkani music kept the audience engaged and contributed to the festive atmosphere. The emcee, Fiona Lobo, engaged the gathering throughout the event, which was a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and shared heritage, leaving attendees both entertained and enriched.
The meal was catered by Nostalgia Catering, and a homemade dessert prepared by a committee member added a warm and personal touch, reflecting the spirit of volunteerism within the group.
The event was led by CLR Association Social Committee President Santana Silveira and her team, including Edgar Faleiro, Susana Dias, Lolly Da Silva, Candida Pereira, Stephen Vaz, Ronnie Lobo, Fiona Lobo, Edward Rodrigues, Lulu Rodrigues, Synuae Diniz, Joshua Silveira, and Mack D.
ABOUT CLR ASSOCIATION
According to details from the CLR inaugural booklet, the CLR Association represents far more than a simple association.
It is a celebration of shared heritage, community spirit, and the enduring cultural richness of three picturesque villages along the banks of the Zuari River in Goa.
CLR was founded on July 30, 2000, at a gathering at the Pinto residence in Erin. What began as a casual brunch among friends soon evolved into a nostalgic exchange of memories and stories of Goa’s vibrant past filled with beach gatherings, weddings, and village feasts. With Curtorkars, Lottlikars, and Raikars present, the idea of organising a joint social event emerged.
Francis Carvalho christened the association ‘CLR’, and the group shared a strong commitment to hosting a social event before year-end. Melba De Souza was unanimously selected as president, supported by Venusto Diniz, Christopher Lawrence, and Emano Moniz.
Subsequent informal meetings, including one at the Coelho residence, where Artimizia and Rosarinho Tellis extended their support, further strengthened the association’s vision. Melba and Trevor, along with Teresa Faleiro, evaluated venues and selected the Grand Palace as the ideal location for CLR’s inaugural event.
Their efforts laid the foundation for what organisers hoped would become a lasting annual tradition.
Together, these villages of Curtorim, Loutolim, and Raia share a legacy enriched by faith, music, and tradition. CLR seeks to preserve and celebrate this heritage through meaningful gatherings and community engagement.
The CLR Association is presently guided by a committed team dedicated to serving the community and promoting its cultural initiatives.
The committee comprises Mackvin Dias (Trustee President/Chair), Sandra Figueiredo (Trustee Secretary), Luceta Lawrence (Trustee Treasurer), Stephen Vaz (Executive Voting Member), and Tracyann Tellis (Director of Media). The leadership continues to strengthen the association’s vision and community engagement.
The upcoming events to be hosted by the CLR Association for 2026 include a community picnic (August 22), which is a family oriented outdoor gathering focused on relaxation, games, and social interaction. The CLR Thanksgiving Gala (October 3, 2026) will be an evening of gratitude, fine dining, and entertainment.
The Carol Singing at Senior Homes (December 2026) will be an outreach initiative to spread festive cheer and companionship to elderly residents.
The CLR looks forward to continued support and active participation from all members as it builds a lasting legacy for future generations.
(With inputs from Sandra Figueiredo, CLR Trustee Secretary.)
