A file photo of Goans celebrating at the São João Splash Rain Dance 2023 at Cranford-Hounslow on June 24, 2023.
LONDON
Goans in the UK had made every effort to celebrate their traditional feasts and festivals, even if it means modifying some of them to adapt to different situations and realities in their adopted country.
One such tradition is the forthcoming popular Goan festival of São João, where Goans will look forward to the celebration which has evolved into different forms of activities like private parties, dances, and similar events in the UK.
“São João is not celebrated here as it is done in Goa. The key element of jumping into a water body or a well like in Goa is not practiced in the UK because of very strict health and safety regulations which have to be followed with any function held along any water body,” said Fr Lucas Rodrigues, a Pilar Father who is Parish Priest at Holy Rood Swindon, and Goan Chaplain to Swindon.
“In view that these regulations are strictly followed in the UK, people make do with simple adaptations. There are a few families who have parties in their back gardens and improvise with a small water pool (kids swimming unit) for children to get involved. Goans, however, continue the tradition of colourful attire and floral headgear (Kopel).”
“Events in the form of a dance or fete to mark São João are organised by different groups, with a live band playing and people dressed up with colourful attire and floral headgear. Fun private/public functions are organised by individuals or groups of Goans to keep their tradition alive.”
A file photo of Goans getting together and celebrating São João at the Watford Park on June 24, 2023.
Agreeing with Fr Lucas, Swindon Councillor Domingos Dias explained the difficulties in staging traditional São João celebrations in the UK.
“The traditional Goan way of celebrating São João in water bodies is not done in the UK on account of strict health and safety requirements. I had tried to get permission from the Swindon Council to have a shower type of water spray for an outdoor function last year. However, this was refused for reasons that the ground would get damaged by dancing over the wet lawn,” said Domingos.
“Most functions are privately organised shows comprising live bands and other performances. In the past, we had a competition for the best Kopel (headgear) and a fancy dress competition. Fruits galore as we do in Goa and we also introduced newly married couples as in Goa.”
Simon Varella, an event organiser based in Milton Keynes, explained that Goans have celebrated their traditional feasts and festivals wherever they have settled across the world.
“Goan festivals and traditions are celebrated with fervour wherever Goans call it home. In the UK, for instance, these celebrations have become an integral part of the local landscape,” said Simon.
A file photo of Goans at the São João Bash organised by the United Goans of Wembley on June 24, 2023.
Simon said the vibrant festivals that define Goan life in Goa are now mirrored in many corners of the UK.
“Goans were once primarily concentrated in places like Hounslow, Wembley, Southall, and Swindon. However, over the years, the Goan community has spread to other areas such as Reading, Kent, Manchester, Liverpool, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bracknell, Southampton, to name a few making their presence, and celebrations, felt far and wide.”
“From the Feast of St Francis Xavier to Carnival, São João, and the festive celebrations around Christmas, New Year, and Easter, the calendar is packed. And let’s not forget the lively music scene with Goan bands, solo and trio performers, as well as DJ's and other artists filling the air with melodies from our homeland.”
Simon also pointed out that some Goan festivals have been adapted and have taken on a unique twist.
“For example, São João, traditionally celebrated by jumping into the wells of Goa, has been adapted for the UK. Instead of wells, there are water fountains and artificial water pools, but the spirit of the celebration remains strong. It’s a delight to see newly married couples participating with fruit baskets (Dalli), just as they would in Goa.”
“As younger generations take the reins, it’s clear that our traditional celebrations are likely to evolve and adapt in ways we can’t yet predict. The future of Goan culture in the UK and beyond will certainly be an exciting one, and it will be fascinating to see how these traditions continue to transform in the years to come,” he added.
