Dancers of Charem Events, along with King and Queen Momo (Arsenal Dias and Celine Rodrigues).
Photo Credits: Truman Vaz Photography
On the evening of February 17, the Hilton Community Centre of Aberdeen, Scotland, was fully kitted out in carnival attire (by Juonita Fernandes) and Goan Carnival descended on Scottish soil.
Hosted by the United Goans of Aberdeen (UGA), a community group within Aberdeen whose aim is to coordinate a range of fun and exciting social activities for the wider local community and as a byproduct, introduce the Goan culture and heritage through their events.
In Aberdeen, there is a sizable Goan community of about 400-500, the largest in Scotland.
Hosted by Swizel Gomes and Venissa Fernandes (on behalf of the UGA), the event was opened up by the samba dancers of Aberdeen’s Charem Events, followed by a parade marking the arrival of King Momo in Aberdeen (played by Arsenal Dias), where he accepted an honorary key to the city by Francisco De Sa (founder of the UGA), and thus officially commencing the festival of Carnival.
King Momo receiving the honorary key to the city by Francisco De Sa.
Credits: Cain Fernandes
“I wish everyone present here to cooperate during four days of my regime. Eat, drink, dance, be merry. Stay safe, play safe. Viva Carnival,” King Momo told a cheering crowd of over 150 people at the Hilton community on Friday evening, as confetti rained down on the jovial “monarch”.
During this parade, the dancers showcased their famous dance moves whilst dawning traditional carnival attire, dripping in glitter and neon colours.
Members of the UGA Community (Tals Rodrigues, Senta Martins, Juonita Fernandes, Cynthia De Sa and Sharmila Godinho) performing the Kumbi dance.
Credits: Truman Vaz Photography
Members of the UGA community choreographed performances for the enthusiastic crowd in attendance. The ‘Kunbi dance’ choreographed by Muriel Gomes was performed by Tals Rodrigues, Senta Martins, Juonita Fernandes, Cynthia De Sa and Sharmila Godinho. This was followed by a comedic performance by Senta Martins and Wilky De Souza of Robin Vaz and Antonette’s of ‘Pipirmitt’.
A further entertaining performance by Cynthia De Sa and Caitano Azavedo of Alfred Rose and Rita Rose’s ‘Kelliwalli and Santrawala’ was also showcased on the night.
A kids fancy dress contest was held with a selection of prizes for the 25-30 participants. Awards were distributed on the night for select individuals who most exemplified the spirit of carnival. These included awards for best dressed, best dancers, along with a handful of prizes for a raffle, some party games and a quick round of Housie where a grand prize of an airfryer was won.
The Goan community takes part in the Goan Carnival celebrations.
Credits: Cain Fenandes
A hearty selection of authentic Goan dishes, by caterers Crispy Treats, (Chicken Cafreal, Pork Vindaloo, Veg Korma, Mixed beans curry, Rice and Goan Salad) fuelled the crowd as they danced the night away.
Rulston De Sa of the UGA said: “The lively fusion of Latin and Goan music played during the event, by DJ Ethax, led to a rave that will be remembered. The organising committee truly created an atmosphere encompassing the magical energy that is the celebration of carnival! Viva Goa! Viva Aberdeen! Viva Carnival!”
