Goa Culture
The Goan culture is very easy going and relaxed. Once ruled by Portuguese, Goa was the offshore Portuguese empire in Asia. The Portuguese were great in building churches, their desire to spread their faith was an important motivation. Modern day Goa culture is a blend of the old and the new Portuguese and Indian elements. Goa is a land of great variety, its culture and temples, deeply religious ambience which contrasts sharply with the highly hedonistic spirit prevalent on her beaches.
Hindu temples are as much a part of Goa as are Christian monuments. Large hotels and resorts co-exist with small hotels and paying guest accommodations, fancy restaurants with casual cafes. Goa is a place where you find people accepting the presence of all major religions without any ego or hesitation. The people of Goa are very friendly and cheerful. Though the people of Goa are of different faiths and from different cultural backgrounds, they have come together to create the easygoing Goa culture with its emphasis on good living.
Food in Goa is a very serious matter and capitalizes on the range of food products available here. Goa culture boasts of many different cuisines - the Konkan, the Portuguese and the Bahamani Nawabi traditions. Sea food like fish, prawns, mussels, oysters, crabs and many more are a common Goan diet.
Festival time in Goa leaves you with your senses reeling in more ways than you can imagine for the Goans celebrate any occasion with great enthusiasm. They have a festival that celebrates the idea of fun and fiesta!
Nightlife in Goa is exciting and there are many ways to live up the evenings. Goans enjoy going out and it is not unusual to find families out for a night of merriment. Bars and Restaurants are very common and is a great way to jump in for a snack in Goa.
The people of Goa have the essence of music in their culture. In fact music is quite dominant among people living there. Not just Indian, they take pleasure in Western music and listen to the likes of trance, western classic music, techno, jazz, blues, etc. They have a varied taste and choice when it comes to western music.
The place has so much to offer apart from its rich cultural heritage. Large five star hotels co-exist harmoniously with roadside shacks. Both have their own charm and importance and form a part of the Goan culture. The Portugal elements have very beautifully blended with Indian elements thus giving us a unique kaleidoscope of its amazing culture.
