Festivals & Events

Shantadurga

Shantadurga is a Hindu festival, which sees a solid silver statue of the goddess Shantadurga carried from the village of Fatorpa to Cuncolim. It's a lively five-day event, complete with a funfair and market stalls to celebrate the special occasion.

Republic Day

On the 26th January every year, Goa celebrates the day it became part of India, with patriotic displays on cars, buildings and houses.

Find a holiday to Goa during Republic Day

Grape Escapade / Wine Festival

Held every year since 2005, Goa's Grape Escapade (or Wine Festival) in Panjim is a celebration of wine culture in Goa. With plenty of wine, haute cuisine and an entertainment extravaganza, this festival is worth planning your Goa holiday around. The grape stomping, which is a tradition at the festival, is a source of much delight and fun for the visitors, and is an intrinsic part of the festival.

Maha Shivratri

A Hindu festival celebrating the anniversary of Lord Shiva’s creation dance and wedding day, Maha Shivrati brings people together from all over Goa.

Maha Shivrati festival will be held on 8th March 2024.

Carnival

The capital Panjim comes alive during this three-day Goan Carnival, celebrating with colourful processions of floats, live bands and dancing inspired by Brazilian Mardi Gras. Although not as authentic as in the past, this carnival is perfect for keen partygoers who want to dance the night away.

In 2024, the carnival will take place from 10th-13th February.

Find a holiday to Goa during Carnival 2023

Holi

Holi Festival, or the Festival of Colours, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and is the first in the Hindu calendar. Marking the arrival of spring, it commemorates fertility and good harvest with the throwing of colourful paint and water. The temples in the south of the state celebrate Holi in Goa with the most enthusiasm.

In 2024, Holi Festival will begin on 24th March, ending on 25th March.

Find out more about Holi Festival on the blog 

Find a holiday to Goa during Holi Festival 2024

Shigmo

One of the most colourful festivals in Goa, Shigmo is celebrated by the Hindu majority with joyous festivities and elaborate parades. On the eve of Shigmo, a fiesta of colour and rich cultural heritage unfolds across the length and breadth of Goa. Also known as Shigmotsav, the festival spans over a fortnight, with different days earmarked for celebrations in diverse areas.

Diwali

The Hindu festival of light is a five-day event celebrating the triumph of good over evil. The festival features the lighting of lamps, hanging of paper lanterns and the giving and receiving of sweets. 

Taking place in the autumn months somewhere between October and November, the date each year is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar, coinciding with the darkest new moon night. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on 31st October.

Discover more about Diwali on our blog.

International Film Festival

India’s equivalent of the Canne Film Festival, this event welcomes film-makers and actors from all over the world to the state capital Panaji. The festival is currently being held at Maquinez Palace in the capital.

The International Film Festival usually takes place from 20th November until 28th November.

Find a holiday to Goa during the International Film Festival

Feast of St Francis Xavier

The biggest of all Christian Festivals in Goa is the Feast of St Francis Xavier, or Goinchea Saibache Fest (Lord of Goa Festival) as it's known locally, which sees thousands from across the world visit to participate in the morning mass in Old Goa.

Held on the anniversary of his death for nine days, the festival celebrates the life of the Saint who brought Christianity to Goa and starts on 3rd December.

Find out more about this event on the blog

Christmas

Christmas in Goa is a magical time, celebrated by both Hindus and Christians alike. The day is commemorated with feasting, fireworks and many festivities all over the state.