So much has been spoken about the Indo – Portuguese connection. There are art, cinema, music, architecture and even food that has been used to show this connection through the years. While the Portuguese are long gone from Goa, every year, a big event is held to commemorate the Indo-Portuguese connection. This year happens to be the 10th anniversary of the Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa and it begins at the end of this week.
The 10th anniversary of Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa is going to be special
This annual event celebrates the rich cultures of both India and Portugal. Celebrations are set to begin by this weekend with an inaugural event at the iconic Hotel Mandovi which happens to be the oldest hotel in Goa. The 10th anniversary of the Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa will see similar events as from the previous editions. It will be a celebration of Indian and Portuguese culture with cinema, music, cuisine and more in the mix. The event will also include a Film festival, concert by a Fadista, Fado singing competition, Music workshops, Photography exhibition and an evening of Indo Portuguese cuisine and music.
A lot of work has gone into planning the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa. Antônio Chrystello Tavares is the Convenor of the Executive Committee while Francisco Martins is the Chairman of the Executive Committee planning the event.
The inaugural event is to be held on 29th September with a discussion on ‘Portuguese influence on Goan culture’ that will be moderated by author Alexandre Barbosa. IT minister Rohan Khaunte will be the chief guest at the event. Panelists for the discussion include Goan personalities such as historian Prajal Sakhardande and Maria Lourdes Bravo de Costa Rodrigues. There will be the Harvest Night celebrations at Clube Nacional after the discussion.
What’s in store for the 10th-anniversary celebrations?
There will be a lot going on for this cultural event which will span the next 4 months. One of the key highlights of the celebration is a two day culinary and music festival – ‘Evenings of Indo Portuguese Cuisine and Music’. This will include mouthwatering cuisines from both Goa and Portugal and shall have traditional elements as well. Here, people will get to try out the famed Bacalhau, some spicy chouriço pão as well as other dishes that Goa and Portugal are well-known for. This event is scheduled for 29th and 30th November at the Taleigão Community hall.
On the 5th of December is the Fado Singing competition at the Instituto Menezes Braganza hall in Panjim. This is a collaboration that has happened for years between the Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) and the Instituto Menezes Braganza to nurture present and future fadistas in this marvelous art form. Workshops will be held by Fadista Sonia Shirsat and Prof. Delfim Correia Da Silva.
From the 5th to the 7th of December, there will also be a Photography exhibition at the same place. Some beautiful photographs from the recently released coffee table book by Pantaleão Fernandes will be on display for photography lovers to see.
A Portuguese Film Festival is scheduled from the 8th to the 10th of December at the Maquinez Palace. This part of the event is curated by Nalini Elvino de Souza and Prof. Delfim Correia Da Silva. The Maquinez Palace is located within the old GMC complex.
Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) has also partnered with Fundação Oriente and Instituto Camões who are hosting a Fado concert by Portuguese Fadista “Ana Pinhal” and the popular annual musical event ‘Vem Cantar’. The Fado concert is on 31st October at the Institute Menezes Braganza.
A collaborative effort
The Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa has been held in Goa since 2008 except for its 4th edition which took the event back to Portugal. The initiative was first taken by the Portuguese consulate and over the years the Indo Portuguese Friendship Society – Goa, Clube Vasco da Gama, Clube Nacional, Clube Harmonia, Institute Camões, Fundação Oriente, and BPS Club Margao have joined in with an aim and objective to maintain and keep alive the unique Goan culture and Goan identity.
Francisco Martins, Chairman of the Executive Committee planning the event said, “Indian and Portugal are both regions steeped in rich heritage and culture. India is a mingling of diverse cultures, all special in their own way. Goa too has its own unique identity and culture which is a blend of Indian and western nuances. Goa has assimilated the essence of both regions where people coexist in harmony and joy. Through this event Semana da Cultura Indo – Portuguesa (Goa) we would like to share and enjoy the essence of our diverse culture.”
Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa begins on the 29th of September and ends on the 25th January.
Information credit
Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa)
http://www.navhindtimes.in/semana-da-cultura-indo-portuguesa-goa-celebrates-ten-years/
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