san Joao festival
On June 24 every year, it’s celebration time in Goa, time for Goa’s most awaited monsoon festival, “San Joao”.
It is said that on this day, St John the Baptist took a leap in his mother’s womb. This leap was considered a leap of joy. This festival derives its name from the saint, and people celebrate this day by jumping into lakes, wells, and rivers across the state. This is just a local tradition and is not associated with the catholic church.
It’s also known as the “Javoiache Fest,” which means the feast of the “son-in-laws of the village”. Traditionally, this is a time when newlywed sons-in-laws celebrate at their mothers-in-law’s house. On this occasion, the mother presents the daughter with a basket full of fruits to take to her new home, and then they are distributed to friends, relatives, and neighbours. The young as well as the old take part in the “San Joao” festivities. They wear floral crowns (headgear) locally called “Copels” on their heads and dance to the beats of local drums (Gumta). Cultural performances and rain dances are organised in most parts of Goa. Locals and tourist are advised not to participate in the jumping in the lakes, wells, rivers or swimming pool if they do not know swimming as this day is also marked with deaths due to drowning.
