PANAJI
The Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre in Auckland was transformed into a lively slice of Goa on October 12, as the annual World Goa Day celebration, hosted by GOANZ, brought nearly 300 people together to honour their Goan heritage.
The evening’s theme, ‘Country Western,’ was showcased in the hall's decor, with a barn-themed backdrop complete with a wine barrel, hay bales, and guitars. A nearby photo booth with fun props allowed attendees to capture memories, while each table featured creative Western-themed centrepieces.
Guests embraced the theme with enthusiasm, donning fantastic country-western outfits”cowboys and cowgirls in boots, hats, and accessories filled the room with energy, setting the tone for an exciting evening.
The festivities kicked off with four corners of the hall representing different places in Goa- Mapusa, Panaji, Vasco and Margao. The MC Aafreen Vaz invited attendees to choose their corner, which led to a lively march across the floor. This was followed by energetic dancing to a mix of Konkani, English, and Portuguese tunes.
A highlight of the evening was the performance by the youth group ‘The 5 Stars’ featuring Ariane Cordeiro, Gianna Cordeiro, Chelsea Silveira, Malaika Pereira, and Angelo D’Souza on the accordion. Their medley of Portuguese and Konkani tunes captivated the audience, and everyone joined in for a spirited rendition of “Ami Soglim Ek” by Alfred Rose.
The Bootscootin Line Dancers, led by Karen, got the crowd on their feet for a lively line dancing session, as guests tapped and swayed in perfect sync to the beat.
In true World Goa Day fashion, the evening's menu featured traditional Goan cuisine, including Goan Ros chicken, veg pulao, salad, and a caramel creamy bread pudding.
Prizes were awarded throughout the night, including those for the best-dressed child and couple in country-western attire, as well as the couple with the best dance moves.
World Goa Day in New Zealand is an annual celebration organized by GOANZ, bringing together Goans, those connected to Goa, and others interested in the vibrant culture for an evening of fun and camaraderie.
The GOANZ committee Lazarus Serrao, Lydia Quadros, Nerissa Gonsalves, Sushila Pinto, Naomi Noronha, Ashley Rodrigues, Calisto Vaz, and Joel Pereira worked with dedication in making the event a grand success.
