Being a multi-cultural society, sheltering many religions and ethnic groups, Goa hosts many fairs and festivals belonging to different groups. All these occasions are shared by all with same spirit fun and devotion. Religion and traditions are deep rooted in the lifestyle of Goans. This is the emotion which makes the fairs and festivals of Goa a class apart from those of other parts of India. The enthusiasm, the revelry and the bonhomie seen during these occasions is unique all over India.

As the Christianity and Hinduism are the two major religions followed here, most of the major Goan festivals belong to these two religions. This is not to say that festivals from other religions are not celebrated here. Let us see some popular fairs and festivals of Goa

Goa Carnival
This three day carnival is among the most popular celebrations in Goa. The carnival is unique to Goa only. Dance, music, eating, merry making and having fun are the most apparent part of the carnival. Although this is a Christian festival but is celebrated by all the communities with equal fervor.

Feast of St Francis Xavier
This festival is held in the first week of the month of December. Dedicated to the renowned saint St. Francis Xavier, annual feast is held at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa.

Feast of Three Kings
Also known as the Festa Dos Reis or The Epiphany Day and is celebrated at The Church of Our Lady of Mount in Old Goa. This nine day festival is followed by a fair where one can buy whole range of things. This fair is among the most awaited event of all the Goan Fairs and festivals.

Shigmotsav
This Hindu festival is celebrated like the carnival where all the people come, dress up in fine clothe and indulge in dance, music and merrymaking in their way to temple. RangPanchami during the festival is the event when people throw colors on each other.

Kesarbai Kerkar Music Festival
Held at Kala Kademi, this is annual event for lovers of Music and dance. Some other Goa festivals are Chovoth, Diwali, Gokulashtami, Holi, Lairai Jatra, Nagpanchami, Gudi Padwa, Raksha Bandhan, Ram Navmi, Vasco Saptah, Christmas, Good Friday, Colva Fama, Margao Feast, Procession of Saints, Konsachem Fest, Sao Jaoa, Touxeachem Fest, Feast of St peter Paul. Most of the Goa Travel Guides will tell you about these events as many tourists visit Goa to be part of these fairs and festivals.