Festival Calendar
Festivals in Goa
6 festivals across Goa — organized by month
February
Goa Carnival
Panaji
India's only Mardi Gras — King Momo leads parades through Panaji with floats, music, dancing, and masks. Portuguese-origin festival unique to Goa.
March
Shigmo (Goan Holi)
Panaji
Goa's version of Holi — massive street parades with traditional folk dances (fugdi, dhalo, goff), elaborate floats, and colour play. Bigger in Panaji and Margao.
June
Sao Joao Festival
Palolem
Goa's monsoon festival — young men jump into wells and rivers wearing crowns of fruit and flowers. Boat parades, feni drinking, and rain celebrations.
August
Bonderam Festival
Chorao & Divar Islands
Divar Island's unique flag festival — villagers parade with colourful flags, folk music, boat races, and traditional food. Tiny island event with huge local character.
December
Feast of St Francis Xavier
Old Goa
Annual feast at Basilica of Bom Jesus honoring St Francis Xavier. Once every 10 years, the saint's body is displayed (last 2014). The December 3 feast draws hundreds of thousands.
Sunburn Festival
Calangute-Baga
Asia's largest electronic dance music festival. International DJs, multiple stages, held in North Goa. Tickets sell out months ahead.