In honour of St. John, the followers frequently jump into wells and even swim within them. Furthermore, the majority of young men in Goa celebrate this exciting holiday. These men go into the deep well in search of valuables hidden there by people from their village and immediate area.
The start of Goa's rainy season coincides with the day of this celebration. Additionally, this festival honours participants who jump into wells, ponds, and occasionally even lakes. A town in Bardez called Siolim hosts numerous boat races. In contrast, other areas of Goa do not celebrate the Sao Joao holiday with the same fervour. Goa's southern regions have significantly more subdued celebrations. Particularly in locations like Anjuna and Candolim, it is celebrated with fervour and commitment.
St. John the Baptist Festival in Sao Joao: Date, Location, and Tickets
The Sao Joao Feast of St. John the Baptist celebration is held in Siolim Village in North Goa every year on June 24. At Fernandes and St. Anthony's Church, the grand celebrations of this day take place. People of all ages come together to celebrate the event, which is open to everyone, with zeal and excitement. Calangute, Anjuna, Assagao, and Candolim, as well as other adjacent places, are all buzzing with enthusiasm about this event.
History of the St. John the Baptist Festival in Sao Joao
Goa's Sao Joao Feast honours the famous St. John the Baptist. According to the Holy Scriptures, when news of the birth of Jesus Christ spread, St. John danced with joy inside his mother's womb. John the Baptist then proceeded to baptise Lord Jesus by submerging him in the Jordan River. As a result, the "well" is understood to represent his mother's womb, and "diving" into it represents happiness on the occasion of the baby's fortunate birth. This feast is observed a few months before to Christmas, which is observed on December 25 and is revered as the birthdate of Christ.