LONDON
A traditional dance in Cansaulim-Goa to mark the Feast of the Three Kings was recreated for the second successive year in London, with a large number of Goans participating in the dance.
The 2nd Traditional 3 Kings Feast Gala Nite 2025 was organised at Botwell Lane Hayes, London on January 6.
“The Three Kings Feast or the Feast of Epiphany is one of the unique feasts celebrated in the villages of Cansaulim, Chandor and Reis Magos on January 6. The feast was always followed by a Traditional Gala Night in Cansaulim, which was attended by people from all over Goa,” explained the popular UK Goan MC Swiston Antao, who successfully organised the dance at Cansaulim in 2016.
“Right from my youth days, I never missed this gala dance in my village of Cansaulim. I have some fond memories of this dance and it has always been close to my heart. In 2016, I decided to organise the dance as I did not want the tradition to die down. Hence, I successfully organised the 47th Traditional CAC Gala Nite in Goa.”
“In 2017, I moved to the UK and seven years later, I felt the urge to organise this traditional Goan dance here in the UK as we have a lot of our brethren who used to attend this dance back in Goa but miss it here.”
Swiston decided to recreate this traditional Goan dance in the UK last year under the banner of Swisan Creations (Swiston & Sanfia).
This year, the ‘2nd Traditional 3 Kings Feast Gala Nite 2025’ brought together people from diverse backgrounds to honour the rich traditions surrounding the Epiphany.
The Gala featured a line-up of performances which included UK’s popular Goan Band ‘Treble Makers’ and famed Goan DJs Velfern, Johnson, Queency, Jonathan and Ethax (Aberdeen, Scotland), who received applause for their breath-taking performances. The event was hosted by MC Russel & Bunty.
The highlight of the event was crowning of the C.A.C. King and Queen and Enrico Fernandes and Wendy D’Costa were crowned the King and Queen respectively.
Prizes for the best dancer and best dancing couple were given along with prizes for the Raffles. The grand housie prize which was a one-way flight ticket to Goa sponsored by Zee Travels, drew a lot of attention.
The event was also attended by top Goan event organizers in UK, European community, Musicians, DJs and public figures in London.
In his address, Swiston Antao stated that this event would now be organized and held traditionally every year.
He expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success.
"The 3 Kings Feast Gala Nite is not just a celebration of tradition but a reminder of the values of unity, generosity, and hope that bind us all together. The gala celebrates the Epiphany, blending cultural traditions with modern festivity to create a unique and meaningful experience," said Swiston, drawing applause from the crowd.
The '3 Kings Feast Gala Nite 2024'
The first-ever ‘3 Kings Feast Gala Nite 2024’ was organised in the UK by Swisan Creations on January 6, 2024 at the Cranford Community College. The villagers hailing from Cansaulim, Arossim, Cuelim, Velsao and guests from London, Scotland and other parts of UK attended the celebration.
UK’s popular Goan Band ‘Rainbows End’ and famed DJs Velfern, Flacid, Johnson, Rohan Peddy & Ethax (Aberdeen, Scotland) kept the guests dancing through the night. The event was hosted by MC Russel & MC Rochelle who hail from the villages of Cansaulim and Velsao respectively, as Swiston wanted the hosts to be from his own village to keep the event local and authentic.
A buffet spread with Goan delicacies was catered by UK’s leading Goan Caterer ‘Luiza’s Kitchen’, enticing everyone's taste buds.
The highlight of the event was crowning of the C.A.C. King and Queen and Sylvester Pontes and Simone D’Souza were crowned the King and Queen respectively. There were also exciting prizes given away for the Raffle, the best dancer and best dancing couple.
The event was also attended by 12 top Goan event organizers in UK, 3 Asian event representatives, European community, musicians, DJs and renowned public figures of London. As part of arrangements to ensure safety and security of guests, Ace Security & Services were roped in to manage the event.
