The President Welcomes you
Greetings! I’m Mr. Joao Baptista Sylvester Fernandes, President of the Siolim Sao Joao Traditional Boat Festival and Cultural Organisation that organizes the Siolim Sao Joao Traditional Boat Parade and Cultural Programme. Firstly, I would like to thank all the members of the Siolim Sao Joao Committee for electing me unopposed as the President for the past 32 years. I would also like to thank all the sponsors, well wishers as well as the locals without whom this festival wouldn’t be celebrated with such enthusiasm and grandiose. This festival brings great joy to all us Goans. It’s one of the most awaited festivals in the year.
The Sao Joao Festival is held at the beginning of the monsoon season on 24th June. Our village of Siolim is the epicentre of the Sao Joao Festival. We witness people of all ages coming from far and near to watch the boat parade and the cultural program. Colourful and Creative boats from the villages in the vicinity come to take part in our festival. People who have recently got married or blessed with a new-born gather with the dali along with seasonal fruits like jackfruits, pineapples and a bottle of Feni (a liquor exclusively made in Goa). From organized stage performances to mimic artists, several other elements grace the Siolim Sao Joao Festival.
It gives me immense pleasure to let you all know that this website holds all the memories of the past Siolim Sao Joao Traditional Boat Parade and Cultural Celebrations along with the latest updates/news about the happenings of the festival.
In short Sao Joao is a festival for all – old or young, locals or visitors, everyone is welcomed to join in this merry festival. After a two-year long break due to Covid, we are once again ready to bring this joyous carnival in full swing and we hope to see you all!
Viva Sao Joao!