A Goan Monsoon Festival You Shouldn’t Miss
In Goa, the rains don’t just bring water, they bring life, celebrations, and music… here’s everything from my friend Floyd a local from Mapusa if you’re planning to join and experience the vibe of Sao Joao festival,
What Is Sao Joao?
The Sao Joao Festival celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist, a very important figure in Christianity. As per tradition, Saint John jumped with joy in his mother Elizabeth’s womb when Mary visited her. That joy is celebrated in Goa in the most unique way—by jumping into wells during the monsoon.
Unlike other places, Goa blends this religious event with its local culture. In Siolim, the festival is 350 years old and filled with music, food, and nature. Locals wear floral headbands (called kopels), dance, and float beautifully decorated boats along streams while playing conventional instruments like the ghumot drum.
Why Siolim Is Special
Although Sao Joao is celebrated in different parts of Goa, Siolim in North Goa is where you get the full experience. People from different wards like Fernandes Waddo and Bamon Waddo join together with great energy.As per Locals Families have been decorating boats with flowers and lights since the 1840s.
Here, the Sao joao festival is not commercial. It’s full of local traditions, stories, and music that bring the whole village together.
What You’ll See and Enjoy
🚤 Sao Joao Festival Boat Parade-In associated with Goa Tourism.
One of the most eye-catching event of Sao Joao in Siolim is the traditional boat parade. This isn’t just a fancy display ,it’s a mix of community pride, creativity, and Goan fun amoung all age groups.
Families living along Siolim’s narrow streams spend days preparing their boats for the festival. They modify small canoes, fishing boats, and even makeshift rafts with marigold flowers, coconut leaves, banana trunks, and fairy lights. Some even add small crosses, pictures of Saint John, and homemade flags representing their ward.
These boats are not just for show—they actually float slowly through the village’s backwaters, moving past cheering crowds. People onboard sing Konkani folk songs, play the ghumot and kansallem, and toss sweets and fruits to children waiting on the banks.
In many parts of Siolim—especially near Fernandes Waddo and Bamon Waddo—the parades have a proper route. Some wards even hold mini-competitions for the best-decorated boat. And what’s amazing? No big sponsors, no paid organizers—everything is done by the villagers themselves.
Even tourists are often invited to sit on the boats or help decorate them. If you show genuine interest, you’ll see how friendly the locals are. Then they will invite you to have feni with them after parade!” Now that’s Goan hospitality. At sunset, when the lights reflect on the water and Konkani music fills the air, the boat parade feels magical. It’s not loud or flashy—but it’s heartwarming. It shows how tradition, water, and people come together in the most Goan way possible.
🌺 Floral Kopels (the decorative crowns made for the Sao Joao festival)
Boys and girls wear floral crowns made from marigolds, hibiscus, and local creepers. Some even make their own crowns by hand in the chapel yards.
🎶 Traditional Music at Sao Joao Festival
Groups of young men roam the village wards, playing the ghumot and kansallem (metal cymbals), and singing Konkani hymns and Viva Viva Sao Joao,Viva Viva Sao Joao. The sound travels across Siolim’s narrow lanes, pulling everyone into the celebration of real Sao Joao Festival
🎁 Vojem: A Beautiful Family Tradition
One unique ritual is vojem. Mothers-in-law prepare a basket full of fruits, coins, and sweets for their newly married Javoi(sons-in-law).After offering prayers and lighting firecrackers, Javoi walks around the village with the basket spreading love and blessings.
🔥Burning of Effigy
Later in the day,mens carry effigies of Judas or evil spirits made from hay and leaves. These are later burnt near a chapel to show that the group is removing evil and welcoming peace.
💦 Jumping into Wells: The Heart of Sao Joao
One of the most fun and symbolic moments of Sao Joao Festival is when locals—young and old—jump into fresh rain-filled wells with full energy and joy.
What to Expect at Sao Joao Festival 2025
- 🗓️ Date: Tuesday, 24 June 2025
- 📍Location: Siolim, Bardez, North Goa
Central Location: Opposite St. Anthony’s Church in Siolim.
Boat Parade: The iconic boat parade, a highlight of the festival, takes place on the Chapora River, with the main starting point being the area opposite St. Anthony’s Church.
River and Bridge: The Chapora River and the Siolim bridge are also important locations within the festival, as they are near the main celebrations.
- ⏰ Time: Activities start after 3 PM and continue till late night
Sao Joao Festival Timings & Activities
Afternoon (3 PM onwards)
• The action begins with singing groups walking through wards
• Boat parades through the streams
• Locals offer fruits, sannas, and feni to visiting groups
Evening
• The real fun begins with well-jumping
• Community feasts and folk performances
• Burning of effigies
Goan Food During Sao Joao Festival
Food is a major part of any Goan festival, and Sao Joao has some delicious items:
• Patoleo: Sweet coconut and jaggery dumpling steamed in turmeric leaves
• Sannas: Soft rice cakes, great with pork curry
• Pork Vindaloo: Spicy and tangy authentic Goan curry
• Verdures: Vegetable dishes cooked in local masala
• Feni: Goa’s local spirit, usually served freely
• Fruits & Nuts: Banana, pineapple, salted cashews
Tips to Enjoy Sao Joao Festival the perfect way
✅ Wear a kopel to join in the fun, but be respectful near chapels
✅ Don’t jump into wells without guidance—some are deep or slippery (Monsoon Time)
✅ Be kind and grateful when people offer you feni or food
✅ Support locals: eat at village homes, buy from local stalls
✅ Book early if staying nearby—rooms in Siolim and Assagao get filled fast
How to Reach Siolim
🚗 By Car/Bike: 15–20 mins from Mapusa; park outside the lanes
🚌 Public Bus: Buses from Mapusa to Siolim run every 30 minutes
🚕 Taxi/Rideshare: Available from most parts of North Goa
🛏️ Stay Nearby: Look for homestays in Siolim or boutique stays in Assagao
Photo & Video Tips
📸 Capture these moments:
• People jumping into wells
• Decorated boats on streams
• Close-up of handmade kopels
• Drummers mid-performance
• Effigy burning in twilight
🎤 Record the live ghumot and hymns—they’re unlike any other festival beat.
Sao Joao Festival vs. Other Goan Festivals
| Festival | Highlights |
|---|
| Sao Joao | Well-jumping, boat parades, kopels, monsoon joy |
| Carnival | Parade with masks, floats, loud music |
| Christmas | Midnight Mass, peaceful carols |
Sao Joao Festival is earthy, local, and full of natural joy. It doesn’t feel like a performance—it’s a celebration from the heart.
Insider Tips from a Local Goan which will really keep you ahead of others As its from my friend Floyd Baba.
• Arrive before 2 PM to join kopel-making in the chapel courtyard
• Bring a waterproof bag,a umbrella/Rainwear and pair of clothes
• Join a family or group for boat activities
• Carry eco-friendly water bottles & snacks
• Learn a simple Konkani song—locals love it when you sing along
Your Itinerary at a Glance
1. Reach Siolim before lunch
2. Make kopels and chat with locals
3. Watch or join the boat parade
4. Enjoy feni and snacks offered by villagers
5. Watch or take part in well-jumping
6. Witness effigy burning at sunset
7. Join the folk dancing in the square
Final Word: Sao Joao Is a Celebration Like No Other
Sao Joao in Siolim is not just another festival—it’s Goa in its raw, honest form. There’s no commercial crowd, no ticketed entry. Just locals, monsoon magic, music, flowers, wells, and smiles.
If you’re visiting Goa in June 2025, don’t miss this. You’ll leave with memories that no beach can offer. Pack your raincoat, get your kopel ready, and jump in—literally.
“Planning to be in Goa this rainy season? Don’t miss our local monsoon guide.”
Sao Joao Siolim–Facebook Page
URL: https://www.facebook.com/Saojoao.Siolim.Goa