[From L to R] Sarah-Jane Gomes, Bernadette Dias, Arlinda Gomes, baby Zoe, Tony Gomes, John Fernandes, Jude Pereira, Greta Rebello, Nicholas Fernandes and Bella Fernandes during the 40th anniversary celebrations of the North London Goans last year.
LONDON
Goans in Wood Green, North London who immigrated to the UK from Africa have been celebrating the Feast of ‘Goencho Saib’ St Francis Xavier under the banner of North London Goans (NLG) for over 40 years.
These Goans have preserved this tradition, attracting a full-house every year. The Feast begins with Mass, followed by a social get-together with bands and DJs in attendance.
The Feast will co-hosted by North London Goans and Nanjgel, at the Cypriot Community Centre in Wood Green by Fr Sabu Paul Pariyadan on December 3.
After Mass, the social get-together will consist of music by the Band ‘Outbreak’ and DJ Richie, while Fatima Caterers from Southall will provide Goan food. There will be games and raffle draw.
The North London Goans organisation was formed by a group of enthusiastic Goans like Tony Gomes, late Xavier Fernandes, John Fernandes and a few others.
Tony Gomes is presently chairman of NLG, while Tony Rebello who joined in later has extended his help and support to the organisation.
Tony Gomes and Tony Rebello are the main organisers of the feast, with Bella Fernandes joining them about three years ago.
Nanjgel is a brand owned by Jude Pereira which started in Dubai in 2007 and has been collaborating with North London Goans.
File photo of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the North London Goans last year.
Bella Fernandes, who was PR and Social Director of the Goan Association UK for the last six years before completing her term, used to attend the Feast every year with her family and has now volunteered to help and MC the function.
“I am excited and look forward to welcoming the guests. North London has been a home for all of us over the years and there has always been a small Goan community who got together and brought up their children together,” said Bella.
“All profits from the Feast are sent to charities in India and support local churches in the UK,” said Bella.
NLG Chairman Tony Gomes said they had celebrated the 40th anniversary of their organisation last year in a big way.
“Families have been attending the Feast and get-together every year with children and it is a great occasion for people to come together and connect with each other,” said Gomes.
