LONDON
Goan heritage and culture was presented at the at St John Community Hall in Wembley on November 23.
Around 200 people and some children were present at the event hosted by Elvis Fernandes and Joyce de Souza, which featured traditional Goan music, food and dance.
There were dance performances and a cultural wear presentation by children of different ages.
The Kunbi dance was performed by Alvito Dias and Anarita Rodrigues. The Vodekara dance was performed by Alvito Dias, Maura Fernandes and their group. The Corridinho dance was performed by the children, Ariana, Flannon, Angelina, Anson, Astrid and Mevrick. The Corridinho dance was choreographed by Joyce.
A Mando was presented by the professional group led by Maria Pereira. There was a special performance by Alvito Dias, who was dressed up as a Render (Goan toddy tapper).
A cultural wear was presented by children who dressed up as a Goan bride, groom, and San Jao costumes (Kia and Cayden), Goan communion costumes (Greshan and Evangeli), Goan page boy (Orion) and flower girls (Jessily and Merlina), Goan bridesmaid (Angelina Bocarro) and best man (Sanzio Araujo), etc.
Claudino Fernandes dressed up in a Goan Hindu costume worn by men in special occasions like religious poojas or occasions and Hindu weddings in Goa. Tony Vas from Diwar-Goa dressed up as a Goan landlord while Alvito Dias and Anarita Rodrigues dressed as Goan farmers.
Maura Fernandes wore a Navari saree which is worn by Goan Hindu brides and also for special occasions including religious occasions. Fernelee Fernandes dressed up in a red colour saree which is worn by a Goan bride on the second day while she visits her mum's house after marriage. Adeera Fernandes (3 years) was a Goan mini bride and Ansel Bocarro (4 years) was the Goan mini groom.
The band ‘Legacy’ entertained the crowd with Goan and modern music along with DJ Shawn.
Five young budding singers who sang Konkani songs were Kaelyn Fernandes, Ariana Fernandes, Lanisha and Delisha Vas, and Daneera D’Souza. Elvis too sang a song with his daughter Ariana Fernandes.
Goan snacks and Goan cuisine buffet served at the event had been prepared at home by people from the community in Wembley. Besides, Cross Cross Restaurant had their food stall with all Goan stuff brought from Goa like dry prawns, sweets, pickles and Goan masalas for people who attended the evening to buy and take home.
‘Born in Goa’ a new business which sells T-shirts with Goan dialogues and T-shirts that talk about Goan identity in the UK also had their stall at the event.
The decoration was done by Anthony decorators and the photography was done by D&C Studios.
“The main motivation to do this event was the inspiration of the Goan community cultural presentation at London fashion show, which was organised by Elvis and I in September. We want to keep the culture alive in the UK,” said Joyce.
Among the guests who graced the occasion included Leader of the Brent Council Mohammad Butt, Councillor Ajmal, Councillor Narendra and his wife Jas, and Councillor Rajan.
