Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Department of Tourism hosted a press conference to announce the much-awaited Spirit of Goa Festival, set to take place from 2nd to 4th May 2025 at the picturesque SAG Grounds, Colva. The press event featured key officials including Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, General Manager of Marketing GTDC Shri Gavin Dias, Deputy General Marketing and PRO Shri Deepak Narvekar, and Assistant Director of the Department of Tourism Shri Jayesh Kankonkar.
Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, shared that the Spirit of Goa Festival is not just a celebration, but a tribute to Goa’s deep-rooted legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and community spirit. “By blending tradition with creativity, the festival is a vibrant showcase of our rich heritage. We aim to empower local artisans, distillers, and culinary talent while offering visitors an authentic taste of Goa’s evolving story,” he emphasized.
The three-day festival will feature over 40 stalls showcasing a wide range of locally distilled beverages, from the traditional GI-tagged Cashew Feni to premium gins, craft beers, and exotic spirits. Distillers will also highlight exciting new ventures in wines and agave-based spirits, showcasing the future of Goa’s dynamic beverage industry.
In addition to beverages, the festival will offer a rich culinary experience. Beyond coconut and cashew-based dishes, the food curation will explore innovative uses of ingredients like banana flower, kokum, raw jackfruit, Bimla (bimbli), and mango. Visitors will experience authentic Saraswat, Konkan, and Christian cuisines, alongside contemporary Goan fusion creations, paired with exciting cocktail offerings.
The festival will also feature engaging activities, including masterclasses on traditional food preparation and mixology, a Feni Experience Centre, and live demonstrations of Goan arts and crafts. Interactive sessions such as the lively cashew stomping activity will add fun for participants of all ages. A world-class audio setup by Coda (Germany) will ensure high-quality entertainment, showcasing Goa’s local talent on a global stage.
The Spirit of Goa Festival continues to be an integral part of the Department of Tourism’s efforts to promote Goa’s cultural, culinary, and artisanal heritage while supporting the state’s vision of regenerative tourism.
