People and Culture

The culture of Goa is an amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese culture. The long Portuguese rule has influenced the culture in more ways than one and many of the Portuguese traditions are reflected in the Goan culture even today.Dance and music is deeply embedded in the Goan culture. The most popular dance forms in Goa are Fugdi and Dhalo, which are traditional dances, performed only by women. Some dances are specific to an occasion or festival they are performed in. The Dhangar is performed during the Hindu festival of Navaratras and during the Shigmo festival women perform a lamp dance. Goa comes alive in the festive season and it is then that you see the splendid blend of cultures that coexist beautifully over here.

Along with this, Goans are also fond of delectable food and include a lot of sea food in their daily routine. In fact, the tourists can taste a variety of sea food dishes, with trying their hands on Bahami and Konkani delicacies also. The tourists can clearly see the effect of cultures that came in contact with the Goans.It is the rice, fish and coconut that forms the base of every plate in Goa. An outcome of the mixed influence of cultures is that every dish of Goan cuisine is exceptionally tasty and prepared with extreme care.Another thing that is famous about the people of Goa is their way of enjoying nightlife. Interestingly, every third house in Goa has a bar and restaurant that welcomes tourists and locals heartily.

Goa is a medley of people, culture and festivals. So, all the major religious festivals of India are celebrated in Goa. In any case, fairs, fetes, fests, feasts and festivals are quite a regular feature of Goan life. Celebration is an integral part of Goan life; and not to miss out, they also have a day to commemorate the very idea of fun andfestivity.