Goan Festivals in Canada
Glimpses of the Viva Goa Festival in 2023
Viva Goa Festival is claimed to be one of largest South Asian Festivals in Greater Toronto Area
TORONTO
The Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A.) will host the Viva Goa Festival, one of the largest South Asian Festivals in the Greater Toronto Area at the prestigious Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, on July 27 from 10 am to 11 pm.
This year, the festival will celebrate World Goa Day and also includes Indo-Luso cultures, bringing together Indian, Brazilian and Portuguese cultures.
The Viva Goa Festival is renowned for its vibrant celebration of Goan heritage and will feature various performances and activities.
“We are excited to celebrate World Goa Day and the Indo-Luso cultures at this year's Viva Goa
Festival,” said Selwyn Collaco, President of the G.O.A. Toronto.
“This event is a testament to our commitment to preserving and promoting our heritage while fostering cultural exchange and community engagement. This year, in particular, we would love to showcase our Goan culture beyond the Goan community and we invite everyone to join us for a day of celebration, unity, and cultural enrichment.”
PERFORMANCES
This year, the festival goes mainstream showcasing not only the vibrant Goan culture to the diverse multicultural fabric of Canada at the Goan Pavilion but will also showcase Bollywood, Brazilian and Portuguese cultures at the Indo-Luso pavilion.
The event will also have an outdoor main stage whereby various bands and international artists will perform. All three stages will be live with a star-studded stellar line up performing from 11 am to 11 pm.
Iconic Goan musician Remo along with his band ‘The Microwave Papadums’ will be the headliner for this year’s festival. Remo is a legend known for his eclectic style and energetic performances.
Glimpses of the Viva Goa Festival in 2023.
Renowned Fadista Sonia Shirsat accompanied by Allen Abreo will bring the soulful sounds of Fado music to the stage.
Other international artistes include the dynamic duo Tammy & Roy, Konkani pop sensation O’Luv, Goa’s renowned music director Norman Cardozo, New Zealand’s Goan Jazz maestro Ben & Josh Fernandez and UK’s energetic singer and guitarist Bismarc, to bring an epic dimension to the festival.
Leading artistes and bands from Canada include the renowned Goan Canadian performer/violinist Grenville Pinto, leading bands ‘Blindfold Test’, ‘The Band Syndicate’, ‘Bootleggers’, ‘DesertStorm’, ‘Monkey Business’ and ‘Goa Amigos’. Youth performers and local artistes will take stage including various DJs.
In addition to the musical extravaganza, the festival will offer cultural performances showcasing traditional Goan dances, Bollywood, Brazilian Samba and Portuguese folklore commencing at 11 am.
ATTRACTIONS
Besides the various performances, the Viva Goa Festival will present authentic cuisine with an extensive selection of dishes representing the diverse culinary traditions of the Indo-Luso cultures, and an Arts and Literature fest featuring paintings by Goan artists and books published by Goan authors.
Glimpses of the Viva Goa Festival in 2023.
A Family Fun Zone will have engaging activities for children, including games, face painting, and more, a Soccer Tournament whereby 12 teams will be participating this year and a Eucharistic Celebration to commence at 10 am.
ARRANGEMENTS
Selwyn Collaco said the Paramount Fine Foods Centre, located at 5500 Rose Cherry Place, provides an accessible and spacious venue for this cultural celebration.
“With ample parking and convenient public transport options, visitors can easily attend the festival and enjoy a full day of activities,” said Selwyn.
“Special thanks and acknowledgement to ICICI Bank for coming on board as a platinum sponsor and to all the other sponsors who have contributed towards the success of the festival. For more information about the Viva Goa Festival, including the full schedule of events and ticketing details, visit our official website (www.vivagoa.ca),” he added.
G.O.A. TORONTO
The Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A.) Toronto is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and preserving Goan culture and heritage.
Established 54 years ago, G.O.A. serves as a cultural and social hub for the Goan community in the Greater Toronto Area organising events and initiatives that celebrate and showcase the rich traditions of Goa. Details of GOA Toronto are available on its website (www.goatoronto.com).
