Team Goemkarponn
WEMBLEY (UK): As the festive season approaches, the Goan community in the UK is gearing up to celebrate Christmas with a unique and heartfelt tradition – carol singing on the streets of Wembley.
This initiative, now in its third year, aims to bring the community together and recreate the vibrant Christmas spirit that is deeply rooted in Goan culture.
Elvis and Joyce, the organizers behind this event, emphasize the significance of carol singing in Goan tradition. “In Goa, children and adults would go out serenading in December, spreading joy and festive cheer throughout the local wards. We missed this tradition here in the UK, so we decided to bring it back to life in Wembley,” Joyce explained.
The carol singing sessions will take place on various avenues and streets of Wembley Hill and Wembley Central wards from December 15 to 22, 2024. These events have been met with immense appreciation and support from the local residents, who welcome the carolers at their doorsteps with smiles and warmth.
“When the community comes together to sing carols, it not only spreads Christmas cheer but also helps create a sense of belonging among those who feel isolated from their native place and extended families,” Elvis noted. The initiative is particularly special for disabled adults, differently abled children, and elderly senior residents, who find joy and connection through these festive gatherings.
Following the carol singing sessions, a grand Christmas party is planned for December 28 at a venue in Wembley. The party will feature a nativity act, group singing and dance performances, solo singers and dancers, and entertainment by a DJ or a one-man band. This celebration is designed to be an inclusive and joyful event for all participants and their families.
The organizers are enthusiastic about the positive impact of this tradition. “Carol singing helps create the magic of Christmas and fosters a sense of community. It’s a wonderful way to bring people together and celebrate the true spirit of the season,” Joyce added.
As the Goan community in Wembley prepares to sing their hearts out this Christmas, they are not only preserving their cultural heritage but also spreading joy and unity among their neighbours and friends.
