PANAJI:
The culturally rich ninth edition of the Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) is all set to begin later this weekend. Like the earlier editions this year too will see a celebration of Indian and Portuguese culture including cinema, music, creative writing, cuisine and more. The event will include a film festival, a fado singing competition, music and creative writing workshops and an evening of Indo Portuguese cuisine and music. The annual event is an effort to celebrate and appreciate the rich cultural flavours of the two nations.
Dr. Francisco Duarte Azevedo, the newly appointed Consul General of Portugal in Goa is the Convenor of the Executive Committee while Audhut Caro is the Chairman of the Executive Committee planning the event.
Audhur Caro, Chairman of the Executive Committee planning the event said, “Indian and Portugal are both regions steeped in rich heritage and culture. 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 nuances. Goa has assimilated the essence of both regions where people coexist in harmony and joy. Through this event Semana da Cultura Indo – Portuguesa (Goa) we would like to share and enjoy the essence of our diverse culture.”
The Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) celebrations will kick off with a Portuguese film festival on the 22nd of September at Marquinez Palace, Old GMC Complex. Curated by Nalini Elvino de Souza and Delfim Correia Da Silva the festival will screen a carefully selected selection of films over the 3 day festival.
Continuing with the celebrations, the Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) will host the Fado singing competition on the 10th of November at Institute Menezes Braganza hall. The first ever fado singing competition which was held in 2013 saw a lot of young talent emerge. In an effort to encourage the beautiful art form, Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) collaborates with Institute Menezes Braganza to host the fado singing competition each year and will continue to do so this year as well.
Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) have also partnered with Fundação Oriente who are hosting the popular musical event ‘Vem Cantar’ and a Goan short story competition.
One of the key highlights of the cultural celebration is an ‘Evening of Indo Portuguese Cuisine and Music’ which includes a sumptuous selection of Goan – Portuguese cuisine which also includes traditional delicacies. Celebrated Chefs from Portugal will plan the special evening. Scheduled to be held on the 1st of December the event will see a host of Goan musicians perform through the evening. While in Goa the chefs will be interacting and hosting a masterclass on Portuguese cuisine in Goa.
Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) was set up and established in the year 2008 at the initiative of the Portuguese Consulate in Goa and by various local organizations namely Indo Portuguese Friendship Society – Goa, Clube Vasco da Gama, Clube Nacional, Clube Harmonia , Institute Camões, Fundação Oriente and BPS Club Margao,with an aim and objective to maintain and keep alive the unique Goan culture and Goan identity. The earlier editions of the Semana held in the previous years have all portrayed Goan and Portuguese culture including art, cuisine, films and other art forms through Goan and Portuguese artists who performed in Goa and delighted Goan audiences. Taking the event beyond the shores of Goa, the fourth edition was held in Lisbon, Portugal.
Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) is supported by the Consulate of Portugal, Clube Vasco-da-Gama, Clube National, Clube Harmonia, BPS Club, Indo-Portuguese Friendship Society, Fundação Oriente and Institute Camões.
