Celebrated on June 24, the feast of São João commemorates the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. According to Luke 1:7, John was miraculously born to the elderly, childless couple Elizabeth and Zechariah, as foretold by the Angel Gabriel. Elizabeth, a relative of Mary- the mother of Jesus, and Zechariah- a Jewish priest, were both central to this divine event.
The fest falls three months after the Feast of the Annunciation, which marks the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary that she would bear Jesus, the Son of God. John the Baptist is known for his ascetic life in the wilderness, clothed in camel’s hair and surviving on locusts and wild honey. He baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.
The Nativity of John the Baptist is one of Christianity’s oldest feasts, with historical records of its observance dating back to 506 AD. St. John the Baptist is among the first martyrs mentioned in the New Testament. The Christian Church established this feast in the 4th century A.D. that commemorates a saint’s birth rather than death. According to Luke 1:26–37, 56–57, John was born six months before Jesus, so his feast is celebrated on June 24, six months before Christmas.
In the Visitation event, John the Baptist leaped for joy in his mother Elizabeth’s womb when Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her. In Christian theology, John the Baptist prepared for Jesus’ coming by preaching repentance, baptizing Jews in the river Jordan, and proclaiming Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away sin. By the 6th century A.D., numerous churches were dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, and a vigil—Saint John’s Eve—was added to his feast day.
Widespread customs
Fire is the most common symbol of Saint John’s Eve, with bonfires—known as Saint John’s Fires—lit across countries like Estonia, Denmark, England, Croatia, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Paraguay, and Spain to ward off evil spirits. In Christian tradition, the flames represent John the Baptist, a burning and shining light who prepared the way for Christ. Torchlight processions are also held in his honour.
Saint John’s Day is popular for infant baptisms, and in 19th-century Europe, symbolic baptisms of deceased unbaptized children were re-enacted. In Sweden, youth visited holy springs to recall John baptizing Jesus. In Switzerland, herbs like goatsbeard and masterwort were shaped into crosses and blessed in churches.
In Brazil, Festas Juninas—celebrated in June and rooted in Portuguese colonial tradition—honour São João with rural dances like the quadrilha, featuring mock weddings and traditional dress, reflecting themes of fertility and harvest.
Cultural celebrations in Goa
The origins of Goa’s São João Festival trace back to the 16th century, which began with the Evangelization of the locals by the Portuguese. The festival’s most iconic tradition is people jumping into wells, ponds, and rivers, symbolizing St. John the Baptist’s leap in his mother’s womb and his baptism in the Jordan River. The feast coincides with the monsoon season when Goa’s landscape is vibrant and water sources are full.
On June 23, youngsters follow a tradition of beating the Judeu using a coconut stick (piddo) while shouting “Judeo! Judeo!” This act is believed to symbolize resistance against those—historically, the Jews—who opposed Christianity.
On the feast day, following morning Mass, both young and old wear kopels, decorative floral crowns made from fresh flowers and creepers. They go from house to house, joyfully singing C. Alvares’s Konkani song: San Joao San Joao gunvta mure.... , adding to the festive spirit.
Households offer seasonal fruits, traditional sweets like doce and dôné, and kazu feni. In many villages, newlyweds gift alcohol to revellers, who retrieve bottles tossed into wells as prizes. The aroma of Goan delicacies like sorpotel, sannas, bebinca, beef roast, etc fills homes, with families sharing food and drink in a joyful celebration of community, tradition, and togetherness.
São João, also known as Zanvyanchem Fest, is a thanksgiving celebration for newlyweds and parents of newborns, highlighted by the joyful homecoming of married daughters with their husbands. Families wear decorated kopels (floral crowns) to welcome them and offer prayers for a joyful and prosperous married life. The occasion also allows villagers to meet and bond with sons-in-law, reinforcing family and community ties.
Traditional Boat Parades
For decades, the village of Siolim in Bardez taluka has upheld a vibrant tradition of floats and decorated boats as part of the São João celebrations. Nearby, Saligao celebrates the festival with a vibrant song and dance event called Vangodd de Saligao.
In villages like Siolim, Anjuna, and Candolim, elaborately adorned boats known as Sangodd floats down the rivers. Formed by tying 4-5 canoes side-by-side, each Sangodd serves as a floating stage, often featuring a church replica as the backdrop. On the evening of June 24, performers sing Goan folk songs accompanied by brass bands, filling the air with festive music that echoes across the water. A similar festive celebration takes place in South Goa as well.
Each Sangodd represents a family or community, often themed around the environment, pollution, or traditional occupations, reflecting local creativity and concern. These boat parades depict lively blend of spiritual devotion and festive joy, celebrating Goa’s rich maritime and cultural heritage.
