DOHA
A lively crowd of around 200 participated in the São João celebrations organised by the Goan Welfare Association Revival team, which was due to be held on June 27, but was postponed to July 3 in solidarity with Qatar and taking into account the Iran-Israel war.
Colourful costumes, wonderful Kopels, and beautiful vibes and a live band performance by schoolchildren raised the crescendo of the São João celebrations in Qatar to greater heights.
Home-cooked food by Allister Pereira, Manusha Costa along with Maria Goretti’s Atol and salads prepared by Libby Fernandes, Eva Nunes and Jessy D’Sa was another highlight of the evening.
Several contests including a contest for the best Kopels kept the festival revellers busy throughout the evening and in high spirits.
Children enjoyed in the pool while the celebration kicked off with a march past followed by jumping in the swimming pool in tune with the traditional jumps in the water wells in Goa during the São João festival which is held on June 24, the feast of John the Baptist.
The event was all about creating new, cherished memories for the Goan community members and the organising committee members kept up to this promise.
Filomeno Alves, president of the GWA revival team, welcomed the gathering, while Seby Mascarenhas and Anil D’Souza were the mood setters at the event.
A number of prizes were awarded at the event and they included Early Birds (Chryselle & Nelson), Child Kopel (Zeke Caleb Dias, Aneliese Vaz), Best Kopel – Ladies (Shainy Cardozo), Best Kopel – Men (Vincy Da Costa), Mother-in-law Pic in Pocket (Chryselle & Nelson, Pradeep & Francesca), Guessing the Origin of Jackfruit (Marilyn), Trivia Question (Clara Shaju), Person Clapping for the Musicians from the Start (Lorna) and Person with the Oldest Qatari Note (Judy).
On a parting note, singer Joyce Mascarenhas, who is leaving Qatar for good, was honoured by the Goan Community for her contributions to the music field in Qatar. She sang a farewell song thanking the community and urging them to keep her and her family in their prayers.
Ashely Pereira of the organising team praised the entire team for their execution and interactions, but above all, for creating new, cherished memories for the community members.
THE REACTIONS
Goans who attended the event praised the GWA revival managing committee team for organising the event and hoped to see more community related events in the coming months.
“Thank you GWA committee, hope to see more fun-filled events,” said Marilyn Serrao.
Chryselle D'Cruz, who also looked forwarded to more events by the Goan community said: “Thank you everyone and especially to the team who organised and worked tirelessly behind the scenes in spite of their busy schedules and making this event a great success. Hopefully not only meet on Sao Joao but also meet occasionally so we can build a strong connection and keep the spirit of Goa alive (in Qatar)”.
Added Nelly D’Souza: “It was really nice of team to organise the celebration and helping us to come to close to our community people and spread love and joy. Hopefully we will have more such events in coming years. God bless you and the Team.”
Describing the São João celebrations in Qatar, Loretti Trindade said: “Fun, music, good food and laughter, evening spent well especially seeing the young talent, who brought a good vibe to the entire show, well done.”
Rita D'Souza and Sherwin Lobo, a couple who trace their roots to Aldona village, said the bonding and camaraderie left a lasting impression on them.
“To all the organisers, sponsors, and everyone who has been instrumental in making the Sao Joao Fest 2025 possible, I want to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for making it such a memorable and successful event. We moved, grooved, and relished authentic Goan food,” said Rita D'Souza.
She further added: “The bonding and camaraderie left a lasting impression on me. This is my third year in Qatar and event has made me feel optimistic. I believe the Goa Welfare Revival Group is slowly, steadily, and successfully climbing to greater heights—growing soaring and uniting all of us Goans under one roof, fostering love, respect, and unity among us a wonderful celebration,” added the couple who trace their roots to Aldona village.
Mauricio, Maria Pereira and family said they would like to offer their highest, and wholehearted appreciation to the organising committee for festivity.
“The organisation was par excellence. The evening was simply sensational, scintillating and spectacular. We extend our gratitude to all the benefactors and volunteers who ensured the event was a magnificent one,” said Mauricio.
Added Anil D’Souza: “The community is galvanised we look forward to more such events, under the dynamic leadership. My family attended this event and their sentiments are echoed here.”
Roque said the all the similes on the faces, live music, delicious food said it all.
Perpetual said they enjoyed the event to the core.
“Right from creating a special WhatsApp group for the event, decoration, flow of the event and ending it gracefully. Made many new friends which otherwise wouldn't be possible, looking forward to many such events,” she said.
