LONDON
They may be less than 200 in population, but Goans in Edinburgh has been vibrant in hosting events to keep Goan traditions and culture alive within the community.
One of their recent events was the ‘Goa Day Edinburgh 2024’ at St Mathew’s Catholic Church Hall on August 18.
The highlight of the event was a show put on by the band ‘Black Sapphire’ which kept the crowd on their feet. The event also saw winners of exciting games and spot prizes, performances from Edinburgh Goans and a buffet which included Goan specialities like Pork Amsol and Chicken Xacuti.
The event began at 2 pm with games for children and adults, after which the band took over and gave a riveting performance that lasted well into the night.
The talented Edinburgh Goans took to the stage to give filler performances. Emcee Bryan kept the crowd entertained with jokes and spot prizes. Alcantra Baretto, a long-standing talented musician known for playing Goan party classics such as jive and rock and roll, took to the stage for a featured performance. Savia Rodrigues, known for her phenomenal voice, performed the Portuguese song called ‘Rosa Branca’.
GOANS IN EDINBURGH
According to Merwyn Pereira, lead organiser of the ‘Goa Day Edinburgh 2024’, Edinburgh presently has only about 180 Goans, but the community continues to keep the Goan heritage alive with events throughout the year.
“It’s important to come together as a community to celebrate our unique culture, it’s what keeps us connected and close to home despite being miles away from Goa,” said Merwyn, who hails from Majorda.
“The ‘Goa Day Edinburgh 2024’ is only the second Goa Day held so far in Edinburgh, with ambitious plans to come back bigger and better in 2025.”
Merwyn said he is passionate about organising community events and bringing together the small, but lively and close-knit Goan community in Edinburgh.
“Some of the events include an annual Christmas and Easter party, occasional Tiatrs and smaller events throughout the year,” said Merwyn, who owns ‘Peppercorn Edinburgh’, a takeaway serving Indian food which is often featured at the events along with Goan specialities by Valento Mascarenhas.
