MELBOURNE
Goan Carnival will come alive in Victoria-Australia when the Goan Overseas Association (GOA) Victoria stages the ‘Carnival Gala Dance’ at the St Kilda Town Hall in the City of Port Phillip on February 10.
Music will be provided by the band ‘Mystique’ and Shez Madeira (solo act), while the event is hosted by Bibian Lobo.
Jolly J Catering will provide the catering services at the event, which has been supported by Wise Healthcare Pty Ltd and the City of Port Phillip.
When contacted, GOAV President Floyd Cardoso said the Goan Carnival is one of the annual events of the association.
Cardoso said the Goan community would like Australian friends to experience a Goan tradition that has been going on for more than 200 years.
“The event is also where the creativity and artistic sense of the people of Goa really come front and centre through the dance, the attire and the food,” said Cardoso.
“The Carnival Dance aligns with the Inclusive Port Phillip priority, where the Goan/Indian community feel supported and welcome to showcase our traditions and heritage to the wider community.”
A previous Carnival dance which was hosted by the Goan Overseas Association (GOA) Victoria.
“The Goan identity holds our small community together, and we want our Australian compatriots to come and join in the fun of our celebrations. Through our partnership with Port Phillip, the accessible nature of the Council will be brought to the fore, be it through messaging on social media or through promotions.”
“The second council priority we align with is showing the vibrancy of Port Phillip and enhancing the reputation as a cultural hub where people of a unique background (in this case, us Goan-Indian people) can freely express our artistic and creative side.”
Cardoso said social cohesion and connection are at the heart of the Carnival celebrations in Goa.
“We want everyone to come celebrate and immerse in our diversity. We respect the individuality of the cultures around us and want each person present to appreciate the Goan values,” he added.
