LONDON
The Feast of Nossa Senhora de Piedade is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of October at the Holy Cross Church in Quepem. This year, about 200 Quepemkars, their relatives and friends in London came together on the same day to celebrate this feast for the first time in the UK.
The celebration of a Feast Mass and fellowship was initiated by Peter Miranda and Selvio Pereira, Ivor Gomes, Lenny Coutinho, Asley Dias and Junior Daniel then joined in and formed a committee.
A WhatsApp group was formed to communicate the idea of the feast to all Quepemkars in UK and when Quepemkars started contributing towards the feast, the entry was made free for Quepemkars and relatives who accompanying the Quepemkar families.
Fr Partick D’Souza from the Goan Chaplaincy UK celebrated the Feast Mass and elaborated on the traditional Quepem feast. The readers, altar servers, Eucharistic ministers and Confraria ensured an enriching service, while the choir led the congregation in the melodious hymns at the Mass.
FELLOWSHIP
During a fellowship, the cake which was presented along with Kaddio Boddio and Revddio, was cut in the presence of Fr Patrick in the presence of special guests from Quepem, Filu D’Costa, Lydia D’Costa and Caty Fernandes, and the committee members.
On behalf of the organisers, Ivor Gomes delivered a speech regarding the entire event. An original composition dedicated to the occasion was composed and sung by Tertuliano Travasso. A feast message video from Lawry Travasso was projected on screen.
The comperes for the evening were Akiva D’Costa, Larissa Miranda and Jolibr Barboso, who kept the spirit live. The programme consisted of music, games, dance, etc. with non-stop entertainment.
The youth of Quepem showcased their talent by performing for the event and formed a band on the spot with Simona Pereira (vocals), Lenrick Coutinho (drums), Joanro Gomes (violin) Russle D’Costa (rhythm and vocals) and Lenny Coutinho (bass). Other singers accompanying the band were Elick Vaz (music director and lyricist) and Bai Chitra Shirwaikar (singer).
The trio band comprising Joanro Gomes (violin), Russel D’Costa (rhythm and vocals) and Anslem Fernandes (lead vocals and keyboard) accompanied artistes performing on stage.
Others who also sang included Ashley Dias, Ricky Pereira, Peter Miranda, Joseph D’Costa, Clarisa Gonsalves, Delrich Fernandes, Sinclaire Desouza, Christin Barbosa, Alida Gomes, Patwyn Miranda, Jolibr Barbosa, with the singing going from solo to duets and thereafter to group singing, with everyone taking part. The music included a DJ Mix by Alan Serafico Quadros, which drew all the crowd to the dance floor.
Traditional Goan food was provided by Dominator Ferns Event Ltd.
The Quepem Fiesta Beauty Queen Contest 2023 was won by Alricha D'Costa, a student at Royal Holloway University of London. Peter Miranda crowned the queen, followed by Lenny Coutinho who presented her with a sash and a bouquet. The runner up was Deanne Pinto, a student of Uxbridge College London.
