GOANZ (Goan Association of New Zealand) organised the celebration of São João at the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre, Auckland, New Zealand recently.
Guests, dressed in floral attire and traditional kopels (flower crowns), embraced the São João spirit with joy and nostalgia.
Competitions like ‘Traditions of Goa’ and ‘Best Kopel’ were also held which brought in active participations from the guests.
The evening began with a prayer led by Mariano Mendonza, followed by a rendition of the hymn ‘Pav Maie’ by Philo Fernandes and Sushila Pinto, accompanied by Ben Fernandez on keyboard.
Allegra D’Souza sang ‘Tuzo Mog’ accompanied by Ben Fernandez on the piano. This was followed by Ariane and Gianna Cordeiro’s ‘Six Shining Stars’, and finally, Ashton and Chelsea Silveira, Rachael Pinto, and Malaika Pereira, who performed a medley of Konkani songs.
A variety of acts followed: the Suares siblings (Alvita, Tiara, Annika, Ashton) with Angelo D’Souza on the accordion, musical duo Olympia D’Souza and Olwyn Almeida (DuOlys), the energetic West Auckland Choir, and the spirited Musical Momsicals featuring Maria Fernandez, Judi Pinto, Sushila Pinto, with Ben and Josh Fernandes. A comedy act was staged by Arca and Vitus Fernandes with Lazarus Serrao.
Guests indulged in authentic Goan cuisine choriz pav, sorpotel, sannas, prawn rissoes, beef xacuti, beef tongue roast, bolinhas, and more.
GOANZ Choir, The Susegad Kantarists Choir, a duet by Maxy and Severine Vaz Ashton Silveira’s solo on the sax, solo songs by Agnelo Mascarenhas and Ariane Cordeiro were also performed.
