Courtesy: Swindon Advertiser
LONDON
Goans in Swindon revelled in São João festivities for the first time in Swindon, as they participated in the festival with traditional fervour and celebration at Swindon’s Queens Park on June 22.
Among the guests at the event included the Goan Mayor of Swindon Imtiyaz Shaikh, Mayoress and Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Councillor Princia Fernandes, Councillor Ana Fernandes, Parish Councillor Joseph Pereira, Heidi Alexander (MP candidate for South Swindon) and Will Stone (MP Candidate for North Swindon).
The event included the traditional music from a brass band, colourfully attired people wearing floral ‘kopels’ and garlands, performances by choirs, dance and traditional Goan delicacies. People from other nationalities also enjoyed the festival, with many witnessed this Goan tradition for the first time.
“As a large number of Goans live in Swindon, we felt honoured to showcase our traditional festival to the Goan community and our guests from other countries. We wanted to take this opportunity to get them together to present them with a flavour of Goan culture,” said South Swindon Parish Councillor Domingos Seby Dias, the main organiser at the festival.
“This is the first time I have organised this event in Swindon after being elected as the South Swindon Parish Councillor and wish to thank Parish Councillor Joseph Pereira. I would also like to thank South Swindon Parish for giving me this opportunity to showcase this event.”
Agnelo Lobo and Nelson Menezes organised the music and a brass band at the festival, while others who offered their support included Tommy Afonso, Romaldo Estrocio, Joaquim Monteiro, Celino Rodrigues, Vincent D'cunha, Joaquim Felix Fernandes, Frank de Benaulim, Rosario Fernandes, Camilo Baretto, Filipe Fernandes, Nelson Menezes, Zeno Lopes and Sheila D’Costa.
“Nelson Menezes from Swindon arranged the Brass Band to make it happen but what touched me was that his family had just arrived on May 29 and his son Joaquim and daughter Nicola Menezes were there in the group playing along to keep the mood on a high note,” said Domingos.
The Rhythmix Goa Choir group comprising 120+ children and 35+ children under Sheila D’Souza also performed as a group ‘Stars of Swindon’ on the day to keep the people enjoying and dancing to the tunes.
Also, brothers, Aaron and Addison Fernandes of Swindon, along with Ethina Bianca Da Costa of Hounslow performed at the festival.
“They have shown their talent by singing in Konkani despite the fact that they do not speak the language. But they came all the way from Hounslow to sing Konkani songs for the Goans in Swindon. Special thanks to their parents, Acacio Fernandes and Lourdin Fernandes, as well as Ethina Bianca Da Costa's parents who came all the way from Honslow,” said Domingo.
Music was also provided by the band ‘ReGoa’ as well as DJ Theo, DJ Frank, who set the mood with popular music.
The revellers were treated to Goan dishes and other delicacies prepared by Valankani Caterers, Namaste India Caterers, PGT Caterers, Momo King, and other stalls, as they served Sanas, croquettes, Rissois, Samosas, Batatawadas, Pani Puri, Shev Puri, Dhai Puri, cutlet bread, Sorpotel bread, Cafreal, fish chops, beef chilly, fried rice and pulao.
Domingos also expressed his gratitude to Mayor Imtiyaz Shaikh for his support at the festival.
Imtiyaz Shaikh commended the organisers for presenting the festival in Swindon.
“It has always been our goal to introduce Goan culture to larger audiences in the UK, and I'm happy to share that it was well received,” said Imtiyaz.
“The principal aim of São João was to celebrate the feast, just like we do in Goa, and to create a reason for all communities to come together, which was substantially accomplished.”
“As always, I'm happy to participate and be able to help out with local activities. Bravo to everyone who helped plan and volunteer for this lovely feast celebration. Viva São João.”
The sponsors at the event included South Swindon parish, Unite Union, GMB Union and Royal C P Travels.
