Goan community spirit, entertainment and cuisine were recently celebrated at the World Goa Day 2025 organised by the Goan Cultural Centre (GCC) under the leadership of its President Carmo Santos at the Aspire Indian School, Kuwait.
The day-long extravaganza, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 1,500 Goans and well-wishers, stood as a powerful reminder that Goan traditions, though miles away from home, continue to thrive in the hearts of its people.
GAMES, FOOD STALLS
The festivities began on a lively note with a 3-a-side tiebreaker football tournament, featuring 30 teams handled by Gasper Crasto.
Cheers echoed across the Aspire grounds as players displayed sportsmanship, skill, and friendship, setting the tone for the day ahead.
The celebration included a medley of performances, games, and food stalls serving authentic Goan delicacies. A massive outdoor screen broadcast the live proceedings from the main auditorium, ensuring every attendee felt part of the moment.
GUESTS, FOREIGN DELEGATES
The celebration was graced by distinguished guests, Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent of Northern Arabia as chief guest and Harit Ketan Shelat, Second Secretary of the Indian Embassy, as special guest of honour.
Capt Venzy Viegas, the Goan MLA from the Benaulim constituency, was also a special guest. Fr Dr Antony Lopez OFM Cap, JCD Judicial Vicar and Chancellor, and Sr Saritha Monteiro, Principal of Carmel School, were special invitees on the occasion.
The event was also honoured by the presence of international delegates, including Bruno Gomes (Switzerland), Agnello Fernandes (Goa), Maurice Pereira, John De Sá, and Martin Mascarenhas (Qatar), Trever Noronha (Abu Dhabi) and Dr Alisha Fernandes (Georgia).
In their addresses, Archbishop Nugent and MLA Venzy Viegas praised GCC President Carmo Santos for his relentless efforts in uniting the Goan diaspora, nurturing Goan culture, and promoting friendship across communities.
HONOURING EXCELLENCE
In keeping with GCC’s commitment to encourage excellence, Goan students with outstanding academic achievements for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 in the 10th and 12th grades were felicitated.
The evening also witnessed an emotional highlight – the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary veteran musician Socorro de Melo, a stalwart who has long enriched Konkani and Kuwait’s music scene through radio and television.
Felicitated with a shawl and memento by Apostolic Nuncio, Socorro later joined his son Fred de Melo for a heartfelt live performance that brought the audience to its feet.
Peter Joseph, a helpful hand in and around the church, was also felicitated through the hands of Benaulim MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas and Carmo Santos.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
The cultural showcase opened with the talented kids’ band ‘Susegad Symphonies’, captivating the audience.
This was followed by the graceful Portuguese dances by Carmel School girls, whose rhythmic footwork and elegance evoked memories of Goa’s colonial past and multicultural soul.
Next came the high-energy performances by JTN Beatbreakers, Senoritas Dance Group, Dekhni Dance and the Spanish dance ‘Corazones de Goa’ by Ex-Carmelites -- each segment earning thunderous applause.
A moving and stylish dance by Divas de Goa further showcased the young Goans’ artistic talent and creativity.
The event sparkled with soul-stirring Konkani kantaram by Mickey Fernandes, Esparansa and Gasper Crasto, Avers Pereira, and Zhana Yordanova, accompanied by the music direction of Maestro Shahu Almeida.
A typical Goan Manddo, led by Zelia Rodrigues and Mickey Fernandes, drew nostalgic cheers, as did the Swag Squad dance from Don Bosco Oratory students.
T-Bush & Team brought energy to the stage with their creative Halloween-themed performance, performed to the song ‘Roddon Roddon Fondan Gailo’ by T-Bush himself.
Adding a soulful touch to the night’s celebrations, Carrie Santos took to the stage with her team to perform a heartfelt tribute song dedicated to her late mother, Francisca Mascarenhas.
The evening reached its crescendo with the performance of the band ‘Injunktion’, featuring Genevieve D’Souza. The celebrated band was flown in especially from Goa for the occasion. Their pulsating beats, soulful melodies, and crowd-engaging energy turned the hall into a dance floor.
Emcee Felly Gomes kept spirits soaring throughout the day, and he was supported by Floyd Paes, Lana D'Mello and Conchita Cardozo.
Between performances, spot prizes, and lucky draws throughout the event, the pulsating energy was maintained by the in-house DJ Snedden, who filled every interlude with a seamless blend of Goan classics, international hits, and soul-stirring beats.
Among the evening’s unique highlights was the launch of the English humour book ‘Tackling Wife Questions – Goan Style’, authored by Gasper Crasto and released by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, Carmo Santos, and Dr Jaganath Chodankar.
THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The main sponsors of the event were Gulf Cables & Electrical Industries Group Co., Al-Muzaini Exchange, UAGASCO Shipping Co, Jazeera Airways, and Mughal Mahal Restaurants Co.
Joe F.X. D'Souza, who first initiated the Goa Day in Kuwait in 1995, and Rene Barretto, who turned it into World Goa Day in 2000 in the UK, came up for special mentions at the event.
In his heartfelt vote of thanks, GCC President Carmo Santos expressed deep gratitude to all members, volunteers, artistes, and attendees for transforming the event into a spectacular success – a reflection of true Goan unity and passion.
“As we celebrate our beloved Goa far from home, I feel immense pride in seeing our culture, music, and traditions flourish through each one of you. These moments remind us that no matter where we are, the spirit of Goa lives in our hearts, uniting us as one family,” said Santos.
He stated that the World Goa Day 2025 was more than just a celebration.
“It was a living testament to the power of culture, unity, and belonging. It reminded every Goan present that no matter how far we travel, our roots – rich in music, dance, and Susegad warmth – remain deeply embedded in our hearts,” said Santos.
