One of the many things that sets the beautiful state of Goa apart from the rest of the country is it's unique mix of Portuguese and Indian culture. Given it's shared history, Goa and Portugal have striven to maintain cordial ties and promote and preserve their diverse cultures. The Semana da Cultura Indo- Portuguesa (Goa) was initiated as a result of this and went on to become a hit among locals and visitors alike. Now, in it's ninth edition, the event will once again be a rich cultural gala and will include a film festival, a fado singing competition, music and creative writing workshops and an evening of Indo Portuguese cuisine and music.
"Indian and Portugal are both regions steeped in rich heritage and culture. India is a mingling of diverse cultures, all special in their own way. Goa too has its own unique identity and culture which is a blend of Indian and western nuances. Goa has assimilated the essence of both regions where people coexist in harmony and joy. Through this event Semana da Cultura Indo - Portuguesa (Goa) we would like to share and enjoy the essence of our diverse culture," says Audhur Caro, chairman of the executive committee planning the event. Dr. Francisco Duarte Azevedo, the newly appointed Consul General of Portugal in Goa on the other hand is the convenor of the executive committee.
The celebrations will kick off with the IX Portuguese Film Festival which will be held from September 22 to 24 at Marquinez Palace, Old GMC Complex.
Curated by Nalini Elvino de Souza and Delfim Correia Da Silva the festival will open with the Portuguese film Comboio Noturno para Lisboa (Night train to Lisbon) by Bille August.
The other films that film lovers can look forward to are A Tempestade da Terra (Earth Storm) directed by Fernando D'Almedia e Silva; Sem Sombra de Pecado' (No Trace of Sin) directed by Jose Fonseca e Costa; Cara a Cara (Face to Face) directed by Margarida Leitao; John From directed by Joao Nicolau; and lastly A Ilha dos Caes (The Island of Dogs) directed by Jorge Antonio. All the movies will be presented with English subtitles.
Continuing with the celebrations, the Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) will host the Fado singing competition on November 10 at Institute Menezes Braganza hall. The first ever fado singing competition which was held in 2013 saw a lot of young talent emerge. In an effort to encourage the beautiful art form, Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) collaborates with Institute Menezes Braganza to host the fado singing competition each year and will continue to do so this year as well.
Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) have also partnered with Fundação Oriente who are hosting the popular musical event ‘Vem Cantar' (the first individual round has already taken place) and a Goan short story competition.
One of the key highlights of the cultural celebration is an ‘Evening of Indo Portuguese Cuisine and Music' which includes a sumptuous selection of Goan - Portuguese cuisine. Celebrated chefs from Portugal will plan the special evening. The event will be held on December 1 and will see a host of Goan musicians perform through the evening. While in Goa, the chefs will be interacting and hosting a masterclass on Portuguese cuisine in Goa.
