Prepare to explore the Sao Joao Festival in Goa's monsoon magic! This event, which honors St. John the Baptist on June 24th, is a lively fusion of fun and tradition.
Rediscovering Goa's Traditions
This celebration lost its appeal and genuineness in the recent years, reduced to commercial fanfare at some places. We have curated this Sao Joao experience to present the festival as it truly is, as has been loved and adored by Goans over the generations by the locals!
Aldona: Goa's Enchanting Gem
Aldona is regarded as Goa's most picturesque settlement. A lovely chapel located in a picturesque area in the central location, and the whole village comes alive in the monsoon season. Through this Sao Joao event, we will be revealing some fascinating customs, tales, and legends.
Well Jumping and Kopel Making for the Sao Joao Festival
Typically, our ancestors would partake in rituals like jumping into a nearby stream or well. We have replicated the experience by including similar activities, in an much safer setting, in a fresh water rivulet. You will also be able to demonstrate your creative abilities by creating your very own kopel (the colorful traditional Sao Joao head-gear) or test your knowledge of some traditional Goan tunes played on traditional instruments like the ghumot.
Sao Joao calls for the occasion of eating the authentic Goan snacks and sweets, like Patolios, to complete the experience!
We will have a traditional wine-tasting experience as well, along with live music in a local's house! Viva Sao Joao!!!
Note: This is not a walking trail. Transport would be required between the different points in the trail. We recommend using the same transport that you come by for the whole trail. Transport is not provided by Soul Travelling.
Trail Duration: 4.5 Hours
Start Time: 3:00 PM
What is included in the tour
- Guided and Storied Experience
- Locals Rituals and Traditions
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All entry fees/permissions
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Snacks and Beverages
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Life Jackets
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Changing Tents
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Soul Travelling Goodies
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Drinking Water Filling Station
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First-Aid
What is NOT included in the tour
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Travel & Transport
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Change of clothes, towels, etc.
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Personal Expenses and Medication
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Bottled Drinking Water
- An introduction to this unique local festival and stories about Aldona, understanding the fusion of Indian and the Portuguese culture
- Witness and experience how Sao Joao is celebrated by the locals and participate in this fun celebration
- Participate in a Kopel (the colorful traditional Sao Joao head-gear) making competition
- Take in the soulful tunes of the local Ghumot and Kasale, while savoring Goa's unique indigenous summer spirit- Feni
- Walk along the beautiful village lanes towards the river, where you can take an exciting dip, swim or frolic around, making merry!
- Gather at a local's house for a tasting of local snacks and sweets, including some festive delicacies, with fun chatter in a casual setting
- Enjoy a wine tasting experience of local home made wines, along with melodious live local music!
- Take back priceless memories!!
- Meet-up ad Introduction at Quitula Chapel
- Kopel Making
- Walk towards the Manos and a nearby Chapel
- Dip in a Freshwater Stream
- Authentic Goan Snacks & Wine
- Visit to a local's home
- Local snacks and sweets
- Traditional Goan Music
