WASHINGTON DC
The Goan Association (GA) DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area celebrated a memorial Church service in Washington DC and hosted its annual picnic in Maryland, marking the first major event of the summer.
CHURCH SERVICE
Earlier in June, the GA celebrated a Mass at the Crypt Church in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC, on the first Saturday in June, in remembrance of deceased members of the association.
The service, led by Fr Chris and featuring a Goan choir led by David Faria, saw around 60 attendees. Prayers were offered for the deceased souls, followed by a Novena for Our Lady of Vailankanni.
Sera Godinho, from Ashburn, Virginia, hosted light refreshments and biryani for fellowship after the service.
ANNUAL PICNIC
Held at Cabin John Regional Park, Maryland on June 23, this year’s picnic saw a record attendance. Organised by the GA DMV leadership team, including President Rabbie Godinho (2024-2025), Vice President Manuel Fernandes, Secretary Iggy Francis, and Treasurer Maria D'Souza, the event brought together nearly 100 people from across the DC-Maryland-Virginia area.
The oldest attendee was octogenarian Divina Menezes, while the youngest was four-year-old Gia Fernandes.
The picnic featured a variety of activities, including face painting and water balloons for children, volleyball and bingo for adults, and a special theatrical presentation (Tiatr) themed around Goan immigration. Also, they played a game called ‘Connections’ that featured words related to places in Goa, creating a hidden message.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of picnic foods, including burgers, Piri Piri chicken, pasta, chicken salad, chicken wings, and Quesadillas. Desserts included cookies, cupcakes, and funnel cakes for children, along with sodas and soft drinks. The event also featured Goan music, adding to the festive atmosphere. The Tiatr was a standout highlight, marking the first time the association has organised such a presentation.
For the first time, the DMV group celebrated World Goa Day at the picnic. Despite the scorching heat, which soared above 100 degrees, the committee managed the event excellently.
“Coming to the picnic is the only time I get to meet my Goan friends, so I never miss the opportunity,” said octogenarian Divina Menezes.
“Despite the heat, I thank our members for braving the scorching weather and attending the events. This association belongs to them, and I look forward to their continued support for future events,” Rabbie Godinho, volunteer President of the association.
“Our love for Goa is special, and in recognition of our motherland and the Konkani language, we organise these activities. We appointed a membership director to expand our membership and a youth and outreach director to involve the younger generation in event organisation.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
The GA will host a dinner and dance event called ‘Come September’ on September 1 featuring Sonia Shirsat, the “ambassador of Goan music to the world” who will perform English and Konkani songs, and Portuguese Fados, accompanied by musicians from Canada.
The association is also planning to celebrate St Francis Xavier's Feast in December, with details to be provided in upcoming newsletter.
These activities significantly contribute to community building and bonding. Seniors reminisce and share their nostalgia, while youth connect with experienced members to learn about Goan culture and heritage.
Traditionally, the association supports charitable organisations in Goa, but this year, it has decided to support a local charity in the US.
THE GOAN ASSOCIATION
The Goan Association in DMV Area was incorporated around 1978. Many members' families migrated from East Africa to the US several generations ago. Historically, hockey and football were popular activities.
Post-pandemic, the focus has shifted to engaging the younger generation. There are approximately 300 families as current and active members of the GA.
Special mention needs to be made of Roque Viegas originally of Borda in Margao, and presently a resident of Maryland, Roque is one of the stalwarts from the community who continues to assist with his valuable experience.
For the last 40 years, Roque has volunteered his time, and is now aiding the current GA leadership team to maintain its strong connections within the Goan community.
