Goa can best be compared to an electronic dance party, music originating on
the beaches of Goa, on the Indian subcontinent. From 1510 until 1961 Goa was
a Portuguese colony and many aspects of its character make you aware of
this. Goa is renowned for its marvelous, unspoiled expanses of palm-fringed
beaches, local hospitality and tantalizing cuisine. The city's relaxed
lifestyle enlivened by the love of music and dance makes a heady mixture too
good to resist.
Goan Culture
More than 450 years of Portuguese rule preceded by Hindu and Muslim
supremacy have made "Sunny Goa" an exciting amalgam of cultures.
Goan's have strong ties to their villages and continue to maintain their
links with them. Because Goa is such a small place, Goans are never far away
from their ancestral villages. Goan villages often have their own peculiar
festivals and traditions that continue to be zealously preserved even today.
Heritage
Imposing churches, forts perched on high promontories, delightful old
mansions and villas and picturesque whitewashed villages set amidst velvety
paddy fields are all a part of this exciting heritage. Goa with its numerous
beaches, historical places, Churches and Temples and it's unique scenic
beauty has become the top most Tourist spot of India where Tourists from all
over the world throng to enjoy their holidays.
Beaches
The essence of Goa lies in its marvelous expanses of palm-fringed beaches
and azure-blue seas, all warmed by the sun and local hospitality. Summers on
the golden sands, winters in the warm waters, or soaking in the Goan rains -
Goa is exhilarating round the year. The scenic splendor of Goa simply
dazzles as nature bares her treasures, unfolding miles and miles of glorious
vistas of rivers, ponds, wooded hills and valleys.
Goan Festivals
Goa is a place where festivals are a way of life and celebrated around the
year. Most of the celebrations are woven around religious occasions. Singing
and dancing being a part of life, the Goans thrive on festivals. Some of the
major Goan festival include Bonderam Festival, Christmas, Diwali, Feast Of
Three Kings, Goa Carnival, Good Friday/ Easter Sao Joao Festival, St.
Francis Day etc.