Department of Tourism on Tuesday, announced the programme of Spirit of Goa Festival, which will be held from 2nd to 4th May 2025 at the SAG Grounds, Colva.
Briefing at the press conference, Director of Goa Tourism Kedar Naik, along with General Manager, Marketing GTDC Gavin Dias, Deputy General, Marketing and PRO Deepak Narvekar, and Assistant Director, Department of Tourism Jayesh Kankonkar; set the celebratory mood for the much-anticipated event.
“The Spirit of Goa Festival is more than just a celebration — it is a tribute to Goa’s legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and community spirit. By blending tradition with creativity, the festival presents a vibrant showcase of our rich heritage to the world. We are committed to strengthening such platforms that empower local artisans, distillers, and culinary talent, while also offering visitors an authentic taste of Goa’s evolving story,” stated Kedar Naik.
The three-day event will showcase 40 stalls and a wide spectrum of locally distilled beverages — from the traditional and GI-tagged Cashew Feni, to innovative Feni infusions, premium gins, craft beers, and exotic spirits crafted from both imported and indigenous raw materials. Distillers will also present exciting new ventures in wines and agave-based spirits, highlighting the dynamic future of Goa’s beverage industry.
The festival will offer a rich culinary journey. Moving beyond coconut and cashew-based dishes, the food curation will embrace ingredients such as banana flower, kokum, raw jackfruit, Bimla (bimbli), and mango, bringing together authentic Saraswat, Konkan, and Christian cuisines, alongside contemporary Goan fusion creations. Innovative cocktail pairings will further enhance the gastronomic experience.
Festival-goers can engage in a host of immersive activities, including masterclasses on traditional food preparation and mixology, a curated Feni Experience Centre featuring Goa’s top distillers, live demonstrations of Goan arts and crafts, vibrant photobooth with props and the lively cashew stomping sessions which will delight participants of all ages.
The entertainment setup will feature a world-class audio system by Coda (Germany), showcasing Goa’s local talent on a globally benchmarked stage.
The Spirit of Goa Festival continues to be a cornerstone in the Department of Tourism’s initiatives to promote Goa’s cultural, culinary, and artisanal heritage while supporting the state’s regenerative tourism vision.
