Whenever one mentions Goa in a conversation, images of a tropical paradise comes flashing in our mind. We start thinking about beaches, charming houses, old churches, unique cuisine and about the spirit of Goa, i.e. Feni.
Goa is a one of the Best tourist Place in India. The spirit of Goa and people living here is always bubbly and fun loving. Goans enjoy life to the fullest. To celebrate this spirit, Goa Tourism organises various festivals throughout the year. They have so many festivals going on almost throughout the year. And “The Spirit of Goa Festival” is one of the so many festivals. It is organised during the summers just after the exams are over to let the holiday fun begin.
Life in Goa revolves around much loved Coconut and Cashew in a variety of products, cuisine, beverages, handicrafts etc. showcasing the traditional aspects. It’s a feast watching live distilling of cashew and coconut juice into Goa’s much relished heritage brew Feni. Besides authentic Goan food, coconut and cashew are also the key ingredients in the cuisine and beverages prepared and served.
On day one, the festival drew large crowds including tourists and locals who danced away to songs from Lulu Fortes from Rhythm & Blues with good old Latin and Konkani hits followed by Lorna Cordeiro , Goa’s very own legend who lit up the stage with her presence accompanied by a large format ensemble with mesmerizing dances during her act.
As I have mentioned earlier, Goa is famous for Kaju (cashew) Feni, a spirit produced exclusively in the state. Cashew Feni has been awarded Geographical Indication registration in 2009 as a specialty alcoholic beverage from Goa and is now acclaimed as a “Heritage brew”. Feni has been described as “part of Goan culture” and it is said that, “Feni affects a man’s head merely by smelling it.”
Goa is best seen at leisure, and the Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) buses, Goa’s red and swanky double-decker bus enables the tourists to just do that. HOHO bus is designed as a unique sightseeing service.
HOHO buses allow you to experience Goa as a local Goan. These buses are a great way to surround you with the intoxicating sights and sounds of Goa. This is a great way to reach to best of landmarks and attractions by simply boarding Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus using one day pass/multiday passes that allows tourists to ride the buses at their own pace.
The major attractions which can be explored on a HOHO bus are Central Goa’s Capital City along the river Mandovi, Old Goa’s historical monuments, famous churches, colonial-era monuments like the Basilica of Bom Jesus with the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the domed Church of St. Cajetan, Miramar beach, Dona Paula jetty points, boating points, State Museum, Hustling bustling City Market, mix of new and colonial architectural structures, eating joints, cafes and prominent cultural centre, Garden, Casino Point, and River Cruise Points.