Department of Art & Culture, Government of Goa made a spectacular debut at BTL Lisbon 2025 (Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa), one of the most prestigious tourism and cultural exhibitions in Europe. This milestone event provided a unique opportunity to showcase Goa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage on an international platform, strengthening its presence as a global cultural hub, stated a press release.
The Goa Art & Culture Pavilion was formally inaugurated by Minister of Art & Culture and Sports, Govind Gaude, in the presence Puneet Roy Kundal, Ambassador of India to Portugal; Premendra V. Shet, MLA Mayem, Antonio Vaz, MLA Cortalim; Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Secretary (Art & Culture) and Sagun Velip, Director, Directorate of Art & Culture.
The Goa Pavilion became a cultural hotspot, attracting visitors with an authentic and immersive experience of Goa’s art, literature, handicrafts, and culinary delights. Some of the key highlights included:
Traditional Handicrafts & Pottery: Live pottery-making demonstrations by renowned Goan artists Umakant Poke and Santosh Govekar, beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s Vishwakarma Scheme, fascinated visitors, offering them a glimpse into the craftsmanship that defines Goa’s artistic legacy.
Goan Delicacies: A taste of Goa’s rich culinary tradition, featuring Bibinca, the world-famous Goan layered dessert, along with feni, the region’s iconic cashew liquor, delighted food lovers.
Live Music Performances: The vibrant sounds of Ghumat and Guitar resonated through the venue as musicians Carlos Gonsalves and Sigmund de Souza enthralled audiences with soulful Goan melodies, blending traditional folk rhythms with contemporary influences.
For the first time, Goan artists and traditional handicraft makers traveled all the way to Lisbon to present their work on a global stage.
“Goa’s culture and heritage are celebrated worldwide, and we are proud to showcase our rich and vibrant traditions—be it music, food, handicrafts, or art—on an international platform. Our participation at BTL Lisbon 2025 is a remarkable opportunity to share the essence of Goa with the world,” said Gaude.
“It is a proud moment as Goan artists and traditional handicraft makers have, for the first time, traveled to Lisbon to showcase our cultural heritage on a global stage. This is a groundbreaking opportunity, especially for the beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, to exhibit their craftsmanship internationally,” said Anchipaka.
The participation of the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Goa, at BTL Lisbon 2025 marks a significant step in:
• Positioning Goa as a global cultural and artistic destination
• Strengthening cultural and artistic collaborations between India and Portugal
• Providing Goan artists, musicians, and craftsmen with a larger international audience
