Goa festivals: 2025 Calendar, Dates, Traditions & Tips
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Goa Festivals (2025): Calendar, Dates, Traditions & Where to Go
Last updated: 31 Aug 2025 • India (IST)
Goa festivals blend Hindu, Christian and village traditions into parades, floats, folk dance, music and food. Here’s a 2025 calendar for the biggest events—Carnival, Shigmo, São João, Bonderam, Christmas and more—plus where to watch, local etiquette, and smart planning tips.
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- Peak festival months: Feb–Mar (Carnival, Shigmo), Jun (São João), Aug (Bonderam), Dec (Christmas & Feast of St. Francis Xavier).
- Where to base: Panaji/Miramar for Carnival & Shigmo parades; Siolim/Assagao for São João; Divar Island for Bonderam; Old Goa & Panaji for December feasts.
- Etiquette: Respect cordons, don’t block floats, ask before photographing people, carry water and cash for stalls.
Goa festivals 2025 calendar (at a glance)
| Festival | 2025 dates | Where to see it | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival (Carnaval) | Feb 28 – Mar 4, 2025 | Panaji, Mapusa/Margao, Vasco & coastal towns | Floats, music, dance before Lent; family-friendly street parades. |
| Shigmo | Mar 15 – Mar 29, 2025 | Statewide parades (north & south) | Spring folk festival with ghoddemodni dance, tableaux, drums. |
| São João | Jun 24, 2025 | Siolim & villages across Bardez | Monsoon revelry—floral crowns, music, and jumps into wells/ponds. |
| Chikhal Kalo | Jul 5 – Jul 7, 2025 | Marcel | Mud games and folk rituals celebrating monsoon and community. |
| Bonderam | Aug 23, 2025 (4th Sat) | Divar Island (Piedade & Malar) | Flag festival, floats, music; vibrant island parade. |
| Feast of St. Francis Xavier | Dec 3 (annual) | Old Goa (Basilica of Bom Jesus) | Pilgrimage & liturgical services, fairs and food stalls. |
| Christmas & New Year | Dec 24–Jan 1 | Across Goa | Midnight Mass, crib scenes, carols, markets, beach fireworks. |
Note: Some festivals follow the lunar calendar; dates and venues can vary by year and village program.
Carnival (Carnaval)
Goa’s pre-Lent celebration brings a burst of colour to the streets—King Momo’s proclamation, themed floats, brass bands, dance troupes and food stalls line major routes.
- Best bases: Panaji/Miramar for main parades; Mapusa or Margao for alternate routes.
- When to go: Arrive 60–90 minutes early to secure a safe vantage point.
- Etiquette: Stay behind barriers; don’t step into the parade lane for photos.
Shigmo
A spring folk festival with martial dances (ghoddemodni), dhol-tasha percussion and mythological tableaux. Expect evening parades, local sweets and village fairs.
- Tip: Check which towns host parades on which dates; programs rotate across locations.
- Photography: Low light after sunset—carry a fast lens or bump ISO; avoid flash in performers’ faces.
São João
Celebrated on June 24, São João welcomes the monsoon with flower crowns (kopel), music and joyful leaps into wells and streams—most famously in Siolim.
- What to wear: Quick-dry clothing and sandals with grip; carry a waterproof pouch for your phone.
- Respect: Don’t enter private wells without permission; be mindful of slippery surfaces.
Bonderam
Divar Island’s flag festival sees neighbourhoods parade with floats, music and traditional dress. The island roads are narrow—reach early and explore on foot.
- Where: Piedade (main) and Malar (often the week before); dates typically fall on the 4th Saturday of August.
- Logistics: Parking is limited; use ferries or pre-arranged transport and stay hydrated—it’s warm and humid.
December feasts & Christmas
From village crib trails and carol nights to Midnight Mass and New Year fireworks on the beaches, December is peak festive season. On December 3, pilgrims gather in Old Goa for the Feast of St. Francis Xavier.
- Plan ahead: Book stays early; traffic builds around Old Goa and Panaji on key dates.
- Family-friendly: Afternoon crib walks and early-evening carol events are great with kids.
More Goa festivals to experience
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Chavath): Aug/Sept (lunar calendar). Family celebrations, artisanal idols, sweets; many businesses close for a few days.
- Narakasura Night (Diwali-eve): Oct/Nov. Effigy competitions and pre-dawn burnings before Diwali morning puja.
- Tripurari Purnima: Nov. Night-time boat-lighting and cultural programs along riverbanks in select villages.
- Harvest & village feasts: Numerous local church feasts and jatras round the year—ask your host for nearby dates.
Planning tips & etiquette
- Check official schedules: Programs can shift; confirm with local tourism offices or parish notices.
- Getting around: Roads close near parade routes; arrive early or park farther and walk.
- What to carry: Water, hat, light rain jacket in monsoon, small cash for stalls, and respect for local customs.
- Combine plans: Pair festival days with nearby beaches, forts or a casino night.
FAQs
When are the biggest Goa festivals in 2025?
Key dates: Carnival (Feb 28 – Mar 4), Shigmo (Mar 15–29), São João (Jun 24), Bonderam (Aug 23), Feast of St. Francis Xavier (Dec 3), Christmas (Dec 24–25) and New Year (Dec 31–Jan 1). Programs vary by town.
Which Goa festivals are most family-friendly?
Carnival parades, Shigmo folk processions and December crib trails are great with kids. São João and Bonderam are lively—stay mindful of crowds and water safety.
Do I need tickets?
Most festivals are public and free. Some grandstands or private events may be ticketed—check the official program.
Save this guide to navigate the biggest Goa festivals—and weave them into your beach, heritage and food plans for an unforgettable trip.
