🌧️ SÃO JOÃO
As monsoon showers drench the lush landscapes of Goa every June, the state erupts into one of its most vibrant and joyous celebrations — São João, also known locally as Sant Janā, held annually on June 24, this festival is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, blending religious symbolism, seasonal joy, and community bonding in a way that’s uniquely Goan.
When is it Celebrated?
São João is celebrated every year on June 24th, marking the birth of St. John the Baptist.
✝️ History and Significance
✨ Religious Roots
The festival honours St. John the Baptist, who, according to the Bible, leapt with joy in his mother Elizabeth’s womb when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited her.
This joyful "leap" is symbolically re-enacted through the famous tradition of jumping into wells and water bodies.
St. John also baptized Jesus in the River Jordan, and the act of jumping into water during the festival is linked to the purifying power of baptism.
🌦️ Monsoon Connection
The timing of the festival coincides with the arrival of the monsoon in Goa, a season of renewal and abundance.
Overflowing wells, blooming flowers, and green surroundings form a beautiful natural backdrop for the celebrations.
🧑🤝🧑 Community and Family Ties
Known as "Zanvoiamchem Fest" (Feast of the Sons-in-Law), it is customary for newly married sons-in-law to be invited by their mothers-in-law for a festive meal.
The celebration is also a way of giving thanks for marriages and childbirths in the previous year, thus strengthening family and community ties.
🎊 Traditions and Customs
💦 Jumping into Wells
The most iconic São João tradition!
Young men — and sometimes women and children — jump into wells, ponds, or streams, shouting “Viva São João!”
In some places, villagers throw in fruits or bottles of feni (cashew liquor) for jumpers to retrieve.
🌸 Kopels (Floral Crowns)
People wear kopels, beautiful crowns made of seasonal flowers, fruits, and leaves.
These symbolise nature’s bounty, joy, and St. John’s ascetic lifestyle.
🎶 Singing and Music
Groups visit homes singing traditional Goan songs (especially mandos) using local instruments like the ghumot, mhadalem, and kansallem.
They announce their arrival by beating coconut palm stumps on the ground.
🍛 Feasting and Sharing
Traditional Goan delicacies are prepared and shared:
Sanna (steamed rice cakes)
Vindalho de Porco (spicy pork curry)
Verdur (vegetable stew)
Patolleo (sweet dumplings steamed in turmeric leaves with coconut and jaggery)
Seasonal fruits like jackfruit, pineapple, and mango are widely enjoyed.
"Vojem": Newlywed brides often bring a platter of food and fruit to their in-laws' home.
⛵ Boat Parades (Sangodd)
Particularly in Siolim, locals organize a beautiful boat parade on the river.
Boats made of banana trunks and decorated with flowers and figures compete for the best-decorated float.
🔥 Judeu or Māru Effigies
In some villages, young men carry and later burn effigies made of hay and dry leaves, symbolically marking the end of negativity or evil.
📍 Where to Experience It Best
While São João is celebrated across Goa, the most spirited celebrations take place in:
Siolim (famous for the boat festival)
Anjuna
Candolim
Calangute
Assagao
Saligao
These villages come alive with music, processions, water games, and feasting during the festival.
🌈 Conclusion
The São João festival of Goa is more than just a celebration — it’s a beautiful blend of faith, folklore, nature, and neighbourhood spirit. Whether it’s the cheerful leap into a well, the laughter-filled boat parade, or the mouth-watering feasts with loved ones, São João truly captures the monsoon magic of Goa.
