World Goa Day 2025: A celebration of culture, heritage, and community spirit
The Goan Cultural Centre (GCC) celebrated World Goa Day 2025 with a daylong festival showcasing the rich heritage and vibrant community life of Goans in Kuwait.
Held at Aspire Indian School, the event brought together more than a thousand Goans and friends of Goa for an immersive experience of music, dance, sports, and tradition.
The festivities began with a spirited three-a-side tiebreaker football tournament organized by Gasper Crasto, setting an energetic tone for the day. Cultural performances, children’s activities, and food stalls offering Goan delicacies kept the crowd engaged, while a large outdoor screen ensured all attendees could enjoy the stage events.
Entertainment highlights included performances by the children’s band Susegad Symphonies, Portuguese folk dances by Carmel School students, and lively presentations by JTN Beat Breakers, Senoritas Dance Group, and Divas de Goa. Traditional Goan Mando and soulful Konkani melodies added authenticity and nostalgia to the celebration.
Renowned singers—Mickey Fernandes, Esparansa and Gasper Crasto, Avers Pereira, and Zhana Yordanova—took the stage, with Carrie Santos delivering a heartfelt tribute. A thematic dance performance by T-Bush & Team and upbeat music from DJ Snedden kept the atmosphere festive throughout the day.
GCC also honored high-achieving students and conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award on veteran musician Socorro de Melo, as well as recognizing Peter Joseph for his longstanding service to the community.
A highlight of the event was the release of the humor book “Tackling Wife Questions – Goan Style” by Gasper Crasto.
The celebration was attended by distinguished guests, including Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar His Grace Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent; Harit Ketan Shelat, Second Secretary at the Indian Embassy; and Member of Goa’s Legislative Assembly Capt. Venzy Viegas.
In his closing remarks, President Carmo Santos thanked volunteers, performers, sponsors—including Mughal Mahal Restaurants — and the Goan community for their unwavering support. The event concluded with an energetic performance by the band Injunktion, bringing everyone together in the spirit of Goan unity and culture.
