PANAJI
The Goan Association of New Zealand (GOANZ) celebrated its annual World Goa Day in Portuguese Festa style on August 29.
The event proved hugely popular, selling out in less than two weeks and bringing together 240 attendees at Our Lady of Assumption Parish Hall in Auckland. Guests travelled from across New Zealand, including New Plymouth and Palmerston North, to join in the celebration of Goan culture and heritage.
The theme for the evening was Portuguese Festa, and the hall was transformed into a colourful Portuguese Arraial. An authentic Portuguese street provided the backdrop for photographs, while traditional bandeirolas, glowing paper lanterns and themed table numbers completed the festive décor. Michelle Pereira was the event stylist who designed and organised the decor.
Guests enthusiastically embraced the theme, with many arriving dressed in Portuguese-inspired attire. The evening kicked off with a lively Four Corners quiz, with MC Alaric Ferns testing guests on their knowledge of Goa’s Portuguese heritage.
Once the quiz concluded, DJ Sandeep kept everyone on their feet with a selection of music. A memorable feature of the evening was a spirited Portuguese dance session choreographed by Carmen D’Souza and led by Carmen and Sylvester D’Souza, Marisa Misquita, Shanessa Miranda, Samantha and Lester Gonsalves, and Michelle and Joel Pereira.
Guests were invited onto the dance floor to learn and enjoy three traditional Portuguese dances — the Vira, Malhão and Bailarico. The dance session attracted strong participation, with guests joining in to learn the traditional dances and helping create a lively atmosphere.
Sofie’s Goan Delicacies catered for the event, giving guests the opportunity to purchase and savour delicious, authentic Goan favourites throughout the evening.
Many prizes were awarded during the night. The Best Dressed prize winners were Tulip Oliveria, Sheila D’Souza and Jadyn Fernandes, who wore impressive Portuguese-themed outfits.
The sponsors of the evening were Johnrae Tannen of JR Finance (Gold Sponsor), Christopher Valladares (Silver Sponsor), Bharat Parshottam of Parshottam Lawyers (Silver Sponsor), and Savio Fernandes of FERNZ Gas and Plumbing (Bronze Sponsor).
“World Goa Day, organised annually by GOANZ, has become a much-awaited event for the Goan community in New Zealand. It provides a wonderful opportunity to bring together all those interested in Goan culture for an evening filled with music, fun, fellowship, delicious food and, most importantly, a celebration of Goan heritage,” said Joel Pereira, President of GOANZ,
“The success of World Goa Day once again demonstrated the enthusiasm and pride of our New Zealand community, with the Portuguese Festa theme adding a vibrant and memorable touch to an already much-loved annual celebration.”
