Sao Joao Feast of Saint John the Baptist

• History
• Places to visit
• How to reach

As winter gives way to the spring season, there is a noticeable change in the surrounding environment. It is filled with fun, happiness, joy, hope, and gaiety. This season also sees a lot of celebrations and events that encourage massive participation of locals and tourists. Sao Joao is a joyous festival celebrated by the Catholics in North Goa. The devotees often dive in and even swim inside wells, in honour of St. John. Furthermore, this lively festival is celebrated mostly by the young men in Goa. These men dive into the deep well to find treasures kept inside by others from the same village and neighborhood. This festival takes place during the onset of the rainy season in Goa. Moreover, this festival acknowledges people from every age group diving into the well, pond, and sometimes even lakes. There are several boat races held in Siolim which is a village in Bardez. However, the festival of Sao Joao is not observed with the same excitement in other parts of Goa. In the southern parts of Goa, celebrations are much more sober. It is celebrated with passion and sincerity especially in places like Anjuna and Candolim. 

Sao Joao Feast of St John The Baptist | Date, Venue, & Tickets

The Sao Joao Feast of St John The Baptist festival is celebrated every year on 24th June in Siolim Village in North Goa.  The grand celebrations of this event are held at Fernandes and St Anthony’s Church. The event is open for all and people of all ages gather to celebrate it with full gusto and enthusiasm. The excitement of this event can also be noticed in nearby areas  like Calangute, Anjuna, Assagao, and Candolim.

History Of Sao Joao Feast Of St John The Baptist 

Sao Joao Feast in Goa is a tribute to the great St. John the Baptist. St. John, with reference to Holy Scriptures, danced with excitement in his mother’s womb, when the news came out about the birth of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist further went on to immerse Lord Jesus in the Jordan River to baptize him. Hence, the “well” is known to be a symbol of his mother’s womb, and “diving” into it symbolizes joy on the occasion of the auspicious birth of the baby. This feast is celebrated a few months before Christmas, which is on December 25 and is fondly remembered as Christ’s birthday.

Major Attractions Of Sao Joao Feast In Goa

Sao Joao Feast in Goa is peppered with a lot of attractions and interesting activities that keep youngsters and elders suitably occupied. The excitement of the onlookers is also at an all-time high when the youngsters jump in nearby water bodies to look for treasures thrown by the villagers. Besides enjoying the event, here are the other major attractions worth visiting and enjoying. 

1. Resorts and Spas

Just a couple of minutes away from Candolim Beach lies Novotel Goa Resort and Spa which is one of the finest luxury hotels in all of Goa. Opt for a relaxing massage at the Spa. Dance to great music at the poolside and feast on the popular seafood at local restaurants.

2. Fruits and Drinks

A spirit manufactured only in Goa known as Feni is famous during this feast. Newly married couples and those with newborns come together with treasures of seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapples, jackfruit, and tons of Feni bottles. You may also be able to find a unique Goan dish called Patoleo placed in every bridal bowl. This sweet is prepared using rice flour and fresh leaves and can be large just like the banana leaves. It is then mixed with coconut and even jaggery at the center and steam cooked. During the daytime young people are found wearing pretty crowns carved out of fruit and beautiful leaves locally known as ‘Kopels’.

3. Colourful Parades

People visiting this festival take out colourful parades across the stress of Siolim village and nearby areas. The view of this parade passing through the streets is nothing less than spectacular. While taking out the parade, the participants sing religious hymns and Mando. The highlights of the parade is Sangodd and people who participate in the event are dressed differently making themselves easily identifiable from the crowd. 

4. Competitions

A variety of competitions are held during this time, giving youngsters a chance to show their adventurous streak. All these competitions are organised to keep the spirits of the participants high. 

How To Reach Goa For Sao Joao Feast of St John The Baptist

Sao Joao Festival is celebrated in the fabulous city of Panaji. The beautiful city of Panaji is easy to get to from every part of the country through any form of transportation such as roads, rails, and air. Since Goa is one of the major tourist attractions in the country, it is easily accessible from different parts of the country and international cities. Here are the details of transportation using which you can easily reach your destination.

• Nearest City. Panaji
• Nearest Airport. Dabolim Airport
• Nearest Railbase. Siolim Railway Station
• Distance From Panaji. 23.9 Km

By Air

Flights are much more comfortable as compared to other means of transport and tend to save a lot of time and energy. The nearest airport here is the Dabolim Airport which is also the only international airport in all of Goa. 

• Distance From Dabolim Airport. 49.5 Km

By Train

Train journeys are much safer than other means of transportation. Trains are faster and economically viable because they offer a wide range of options according to your budget and convenience. The nearest railbase to reach Siolim is Siolim Railway Station. Passengers can also arrive at Karmali Railway Station.

• Distance From Karmali Railway Station. 30 Km

By Road

In order to get the most recent updates on a destination, it is always good to travel by road. Road trips help advance your knowledge and information about the destination you are travelling to. You can also discover the untold stories of the place by befriending a local. If you wish to opt for a road trip to Panaji from nearby cities then you can check out the following routes.

• Distance From Belgaum. 104.4 km via NH 748
• Distance From Pune. 439 km via AH 47
• Distance From Mumbai. 582 km via AH 47
• Distance From Mangalore. 344.9 km via NH 66
• Distance From Mysore. 590 km via NH 48
• Distance From Delhi. 1863 Km via AH 47
• Distance From Kolkata. 2274 km via NH 53
• Distance From Bengaluru. 580 Km via NH 48

Frequently Asked Questions About Sao Joao Feast Of St John The Baptist

Ques 1. What is the significance of the Sao Joao Feast Of St John The Baptist?

Ans 1. Sao Joao Feast Of St John The Baptist is celebrated every year on 24th June amidst a lot of fun, excitement, and gaiety. On this day, the birthday of St John The Baptist by the ardent devotees. Another highlight of this festival is that it is celebrated three months after the feast of the annunciation on 25th March.

Ques 2. What are the highlights of Sao Joao Feast Of St John The Baptist?

Ans 2. Sao Joao Feast in Goa is peppered with a lot of attractions and interesting activities that keep youngsters and elders suitably occupied. The excitement of the onlookers is also at an all-time high when the youngsters jump in nearby water bodies to look for treasures thrown by the villagers. 

You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. With us, nothing is far!