Month-long cultural festival of Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa Goa, Oct21 - Nov 26
2011-10-11
Goa will see a unique celebration of cultures over the next few weeks. The second edition of the Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) is set to begin later this month. The event will be a celebration of Indian and Portuguese culture including art, cinema, music, cuisine, literature and more. The month-long fest will include art exhibitions, a film festival, musical concerts, cuisine workshops, poetry recitals and get-togethers. The event is an effort to celebrate and appreciate the rich cultural flavours of the two nations.
Indian and Portugal are steeped in rich heritage and culture. Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) celebrates the diverse cultures; the languages, architecture, art, literature, music and other elements. Goa has assimilated the essence of both regions where people coexist in harmony and joy.
This festival is a mélange of several unique events with a distinct Indian and Portuguese flavour. 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. Semana da Cultura Indo – Portuguesa (Goa) will share and enjoy the essence of our diverse cultures and keep the unique Goan identity alive.
Art Exhibition Oct 21
The month long Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) celebrations will begin on the October 21 with an evening of art and music at Sunaparanta, Altinho, Panjim. The soiree will host an exhibition by the brilliant artist Vamona Navelcar whose remarkable works of art have been appreciated and acclaimed by many. The selection for this exhibition is designed to provide a kaleidoscopic view of the artist’s immense body of work.
MEET THE ARTIST: Vamona Navelcar in front of his painting of The Last Supper
Music and Song Oct 29
Continuing with the celebrations Portugal’s singing sensation Deolinda will perform at Kala Academy on the 29th of October. The music concert will open with a fusion performance by the popular duo, Goa’s Sonia Sirsat and Pravin Gaonkar followed by a brilliant performance by quartet band Deolinda. The band’s music is inspired by the fado, yet differs considerably from the traditional Portuguese music genre. Deolinda’s recently released album which is a perfect balance between Portuguese tradition and European pop, hit the Portuguese charts at Number One. Additionally the second edition of the book Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) will also be unveiled at the concert. The book contains contributions from some of the best Goan writers from Indian and Portugal.
Portuguese Film FestivalNov 4 - 6
A Portuguese Film Festival is scheduled to be held between the 4th and 6th of November at the Maquinez Palace in Panjim. This three day festival will see a screening of a carefully selected collection of movie some of which include “Aquele Querido Mês de Agosto” (Our beloved Month of August) directed by Miguel Gomes and “Um Funeral à Chuva” (A Funeral In the Rain) by Telmo Martins.
Celebrity Chef Carlos Martins Alves' sumptuous buffet Nov 16-17 One of the key highlights of the month long festivities is the sumptuous buffet of Goan - Portuguese cuisine being put together by Portugal’s popular celebrity chef Carlos Martins Alves. Chef Carlos has planned menus for the likes of high ranking dignitaries and heads of states including Barak Obama, Vladimir Putin, Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni, to name just a few.
He’s particularly well known for providing catering services to football celebrities including serving guests at the wedding banquet of Luis Figo and the baptism celebration party of Cristiano Ronaldo’s son. Chef Carlos will be sharing his culinary skills at a specially organized cookery workshop on the 16th and 17th of November at Cidade de Goa.
Indo Portuguese Food Festival Nov 19
The Indo – Portuguese Food Festival which follows on the 19th of November will showcase the culinary finesse of Chef Carlos. The buffet will include a selection of Goan and Portuguese gastronomical delights. The entertainment for the evening will include melodious performances by Sonia Sirsat, Veeam Braganza, Belinda and the Tropicanos and others.
Poetry Recital
Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) will end with a multilingual poetry recital. Held at the International Centre Goa (ICG), Dona Paula the evening will see notable poets recite their compositions in five languages notable, Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, Portuguese and Engish. Certainly a treat for the literarily inclined
South Goa celebrations at Clube Harmonia Nov 7 & 12 Taking the festivities to South Goa, Clube Harmonia in Margao will host a number of events including Vem Cantar, the Portuguese language singing competition for children and a gala night of dining and dancing on the 7th and 12th of November respectively.
Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) is supported by Club Vasco-da-Gama, Club National, Club Harmonia, Indo-Portuguese Friendship Society, Fundacao Oriente, Institute Camoes, CII and GCCI.
