Hello, community and fellow travelers! In India, the celebration of Christmas is most prominently observed in the state of Goa, a small state located on the southwest coast. Goa is known for its long beaches and vibrant tourism. It was explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century, when Vasco da Gama connected European businesses to India. Eventually, the Portuguese took control of Goa and ruled it until 1961.
This is the history we are taught in school. the long period of Portuguese colonization altered the local culture a lot, Many locals converted to Catholicism, and Goa became a major center of Catholicism.
The Portuguese influence is evident in various aspects of life in Goa, including customs, food, and clothing. When celebrating Christmas, the ties to western culture in general are obvious- decorative lights, bustling shopping centers, and an influx of visitors, similar to celebrations in Europe. People celebrate from Christmas Eve to New Year's Eve, creating an atmosphere filled with happiness, excitement, and joy. This festive season is not only a celebration for Catholics but is also enjoyed by people of all other religions.
But the Christmas market has a different setup. People come from far and wide to shop, and vendors bring a variety of items from different places During this time it's common to see stalls set up as there is little control from authorities. in addition to typical Christmas items such as decorations as traditional food and sweets the market offers everything for everyday use- gifts, clothing, fruits and vegetables, spices, household utensils, plants, groceries, Local products, and pretty much everything is available. It is a huge market where hours pass quickly just looking around.
There is some semblance of organization with different sections or lanes for similar types of items making it easier to find what we are looking for.
One thing is remarkable the market is not open at night time like European markets. Shops are closed around 8 -8.30 pm very hardly see decoration and lightning. If want to see decorations walk around the street.
Traditional Goan food is a fusion of Indian and Portuguese.
This is the entrance to the market, but it is mostly blocked by vehicles, especially two-wheelers. It resembles a small hall, and they create a very special manger for display, which will remain until after the New Year, the twelve days of Christmas. When we were there it was being put together.
The vendors placed their stalls wherever they found space around the vehicles parked chaotically, the decoration sellers occupied all the spots.
There were more than 100 vegetable vendors I had no time to go through all.
everything for the kitchen, bathroom or garden.
clothing lane there are around 50 stalls lined there.
For Christmas they have special displays.
Some local bamboo weavers make very nice articles.it is an open place and they have to protect their product from dust, as usual they cover it using a plastic cover.
Back in Christmas decoration.
Some traditional Christmas sweets are made with coconuts, coconut jaggery, coconut oil, and coconut toddy. Specially available at Christmas time. and people are crowded to buy those.
At last the ladies' section some ornaments for special time.
These are traditional glass bangles which are very important for ladies in all religions.
A unique method of creating flower chains to adorn hair for special occasions. This is the Christmas Market in Goa, which is similar to markets in various cities, each with its own unique touches but generally offering comparable experiences. This particular market is well-known and popular in North Goa, Mapusa Market.
Thank you very much.
