ABU DHABI
Decked in colourful attire, beautiful ‘Kopels’ adorning the heads, armed with ‘Pidde’ and carrying seasonal fruit, Abu Dhabi Goans brought the Goan community together in yet another spectacular Viva São João celebration at the 11th traditional event in the prestigious Abu Dhabi Country Club.
In keeping with tradition, for the first time, the Abu Dhabi Goans welcomed not a newly married couple, but a newborn baby.
Nine-month Sophia Silveira was the star of the show decked in her little white Kopel while her parents, Meryl and Dreferd, pushed in a trolley with a ‘Dhali’ of fruit enough to feed all the guests.
The São João procession made its joyful entry to the tunes of C Alvares’ ‘São João, São João’ accompanied by the Ghumot and tambourines, and the smacking of ‘Pidde’ on the dance floor.
The eight-hour event had the crowd on the floor all through with music provided by the Party Rockers (Tavia and Darine), DJ Moses, DJ Dad, DJ Rudy and MC Perviz. The dance floor was packed to its limit for renditions of traditional Goan and Portuguese songs, especially a march that snaked its way all through the ballroom.
The best Kopels were awarded to Lourdes D’Costa whose headdress was created from traditional date palm fronds accompanied by his family all carrying baskets of fruit and ‘Pidde’, and Maria Eutropia Pereira, whose Kopel was adorned with seasonal fruit.
Abu Dhabi Goans are a group committed to the community and to keeping Goan tradition alive amongst the diaspora in the UAE as well as introducing Goan culture to the wider community.
In addition to ‘Viva São João’, the other events presented by the Abu Dhabi Goans are ‘Viva Goa, Viva Carnaval’ and the flagship ‘World Goa Day Abu Dhabi’, which will be held on October 5. The group also gathers the community at smaller social gatherings, supports the holistic development of the youth and encourages upcoming talent.
The events are all organised on a non-profit basis with the organising team often pooling in to offset expenses.
The organising team has also been supporting and responding to various appeals from Goa as well as supporting the Konkani community in various celebrations.
