Surrendering São João to Government Control: A Cautionary Tale for Cultural Preservation

The São João Festival, a vibrant celebration of Goan Catholic heritage, has long been a cherished tradition in Goa, particularly in villages like Siolim, Anjuna, and Calangute. Rooted in the commemoration of St. John the Baptist’s birth, the festival is marked by young men leaping into wells, colorful boat parades, traditional music, and the sharing of feni, sweets, and...

GREETINGS

There is an aesthetic ugliness.

But there is also an uglification that is constructed to please or delight a certain privileged group.

- Fr Victor Ferrao