Events in Goa
Shigmotsav
February
Held to celebrate the end of winter, Shigmotsav is the Goan version of India's Holi Festival. Locals gather together for massive coloured water fights across the state. If you're here when it happens, prepare to get wet and don't wear anything you expect to be able to wear again.
Goa Carnival
February/March
This three-day party is held before Goa's large Catholic community begin Lent. Panaji is the centre of all the action with a large and colourful float procession making its way through town.
All Saints Procession
March/April
In Velha Goa (Old Goa), a massive procession of 30 saints takes over the roads on the fifth Monday of Lent. Very popular locally, it's a great opportunity to soak up some Goan culture.
Igitun Chalne
May
This one-night festival celebrates the Hindu goddess Lairaya, and her devotees at this festival prove their love by fire-walking across hot coals. It occurs at Sirigao Temple in Bicholim Taluka.
Feast of Saint Francis Xavier
December
Velha Goa (Old Goa) commemorates the patron saint of Goa with pilgrims both local and foreign attending massive processions in the days leading up to the actual feast on 3 December.