NÚCLEO DE ANIMAÇÃO CULTURAL DE GOA DAMÃO E DIU

15º Colóquio da Lusofonia Macau - Quatro Séculos de Lusofonia: Passado, Presente e Futuro

2011-07-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

Well it is never too late. In the month of April 2011 our association NACGDD participated in the closing ceremony of the 15º Colóquio da Lusofonia in Macau held by AICL (Associação Internacional dos Colóquios da Lusofonia) - Instituto Politécnico de Macau.

We were invited by IPM through Dra. Lurdes Escaleira, to perform a dance and our loving Ms. Renu danced away with glory, whereby everyone enjoyed it, with the starting of Vasco da Gama coming to India and Renu opening the touch and the rhythm of the Indian dance, which everbody enjoyed.

Posted by Emalita Rocha of NÚCLEO DE ANIMAÇÃO CULTURAL DE GOA DAMÃO E DIU.

2011-06-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

CHARITY EVENT

HELD ON 08/MAY/2011
AT MACAU TOWER

MACAU

AS THE INITIATIVE OF THE NEW COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION IN OFFICE FROM JAN/2011, ORGANIZED THE FIRST EVENT OF THE CALENDAR YEAR 2011. A CHARITY EVENT WITH LUCNH AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMES WAS HELD AT THE WORLD FAMOUS MACAU TOWER ON MAY/08/2011.

THE EVENT WAS HELD WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF COLLECTING DONATIONS FOR DONATING TO CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS IN MACAU. 200 PERSONS ATTENDED AND PARTICIPATED IN THE EVENT, WHERE A SUMPTIOUS BUFFET LUNCH WAS ENJOYED ACCOMPANIED BY CULTURAL PROGRAMMES (SINGING & DANCING) THAT WAS PRESENTED BY THE TEENS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND OTHER GROUPS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

A TRUCK LOAD OF ITEMS PLUS SOME CASH WERE COLLECTED AS DONATIONS WHICH AT THE END OF THE FUNCTION WAS DELIVERED TO THE MOTHER TESRESA INSTITUTION IN MACAU.

APPRECIATION IS ACCORDED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN ORGANIZING THE EVENT AND MAKING IT A SUCCESS.

Posted by Emalita Rocha of NÚCLEO DE ANIMAÇÃO CULTURAL DE GOA DAMÃO E DIU.

2011-01-25T02:43:00.008-08:00

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

for 2011-2012

NÚCLEO DE ANIMAÇÃO CULTURAL

GOA DAMÃO E DIU

The election for the members of the General Assembly of Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa Damão e Diu for the 3rd term - 2011 to 2012 was held on 11th of December 2010.

Members of the General Assembly for 2011-2012

Assembleia Geral

Presidente: Dr. Rui Cunha

Secretario: Sr. Pankaj Chonilal

Conselho Fiscal

Presidente: Sr. Estevam Gomes

Vice Presidente: Sra. Savita Pernencar

Secretario: Sr. Élio Oliviera

Direcção:

Presidente: Sr. Sharoz Pernencar

Tesoureiro: Sra. Emalita Rocha

Secretario: Sra. Isabel Gomes

Vogal: Sra. Maria João Dias

Vogal: Sr. Domingos Gomes

Vogal: Sr. Rui Leão

Vogal: Sr. Elvis Simões

2011-01-25T02:43:00.005-08:00

DINNER-CUM-DANCE AT RESTAURANTE 'PORTAS DO SOL'

For the first time a Dinner-cum-Dance of this scale was organised by Núcleo de Animação Ciltural de Goa Damão e Diu, on 1st Novemebr 2010, commemorating its 4th anniversary together with members of NACGDD, members of the Goa Damão and Diu community in general, local Macau dignitaries and Macau friends of NACGDD.

The Dinner-cum-Dance was held at the well known restaurante 'Portas do Sol' of Hotel Lisboa in a classic ambient with food for all tastes including Indian and from Goa Damão and Diu.

Honoured guest, Ms. Isabela Jorge, representative of 'Institute para os Assuntos Cívicos de Macau' graced the occasion and raised the toast welcoming the guest for the Dinner-cum-Dance in commemoration of the 4th Anniversary of "Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa Damão e Diu, together with the committee members.

Visiting musical groups 'Kepemchim Kirnna' and 'Belinda & The Tropicanos' set the stage rolling with dancing music gearing up members and guests on the dancing floor, dancing to glory, a sight rarely seen and danced in Macau.

The dinner was largely attended by members of NACGDD, members of the Goa Damão and Diu community, including various associations of the Portuguese speaking countries and other associations, important figures of Macau and by friends and sympathizers of Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa Damão e Diu.

Highlight of the event was a lucky draw for all those present with the first prize being - air ticket for two to Goa, courtesy of Dr. Rui Cunha. The lucky couple to make this trip to Goa were Carlos and Cristina Costa.

Festa da Lusofonia -Semana Cultural da China e dos Países de Língua Portuguesa-2010

2011-01-25T01:41:00.000-08:00

DAMÃO CREOLE SUNG AT THE SEMINAR

entitled

"EXTINCTION OF CREOLO IN ASIA''

Grupo de Danças e Cantares de Goa Damão e Diu sang Damão Creole songs at a seminar incorporated in the 'Festival da Lusofonia - Semana Cultural da China e dos Países de Língua Portuguesa' held at Casa Garden on 28th October 2010.

The seminar entiled "Extinction of Creole in Asia" spoke about Damão Creole and other Creoles in Asia. The orators included various local scholars as well as those from Europe.

Festival da Lusofonia e Semana Cultural da China e dos Países de Língua Portuguesa -2010

2011-01-25T01:07:00.000-08:00

FEIRA DE ARTESANATO

Feira de Aretesanato (Art & Craft Fair), first ever of its kind to be integrated in the Festival da Lusofonia - Semana Cultural da China e dos Países de Língua Portuguesa was held from the 25th to the 31st of October 2010, at Praça do Carmo in Taipa-Macau.

Goa's prize winning artist Mr. Digamber Kunkolikar demostrated live his artistic skills to the public at the Goa, Damão and Diu art pavilion, as well as displayed his masterpieces in pottery brought from Goa, promoting Goa's rich traditional craftmanship and artifacts.

The fair included arts and crafts from countries like Portugal, Brazil, Macau, Angola, Mozambique, Guiné Bissau, Cabe Verde, Timor and São Tomé e Príncipe, icluding Goa.

2011-01-25T00:23:00.000-08:00

KEPEMCHIM KIRNNA

and

BELINDA & THE TROPICANOS

filled the air with sound of Goa at Festival da Lusofonia - Semana Cultural da China e dos Países de Língua Portuguesa - 2010 in Macau

In a typhoon surrounded atmosphere Goa's known artists - "Kepemchim Kirnna" lead by Elvis Goes and "Belinda & The Tropicanos", performed at the Festival da Lusofonia on 29th and 31st October 2010 in Macau, filling the air with the taste and sound of Goan Music.

'Kepemchim Kirnna' displayed a variety of traditional dances and songs from Goa's rich culture. Ladies as well as gents doned in colurful and traditional costumes gave the arena a colurful and magnificient sight.

'Belinda & The Tropicanos portrayed Goa's vast talent in music with songs in Portuguese including Barra de Damão among others, in her own style, rythm and own composition.

‘Festival da Lusofonia’ - Semana Cultural da China e dos Países de Língua Portuguesa -2010

2011-01-24T20:47:00.001-08:00

MIRADOURO DE DONA PAULA

'Miradouro de Dona Paula' was projected by Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa Damão e Diu as the theme this year at the "Festival de Lusofonia - Semana Cultural da China e dos Países de Língua Portuguesa - 2010 held on 29th, 30th and 31st October 2010 at the Largo da Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

The architect for the construction of the Miradouro de Dona Paula was Goa's Carnival famed Francisco Martins especially brought in from Goa.

Basilica de Bom Jesus potrayed at the Festa de Lusofonia 2009

2009-12-22T07:59:00.000-08:00

One of the Marvel of the Portuguese world, Basilica de Bom Jesus, standing 8 meteres tall was potrayed at this year's 'Festa de Lusofonia 2009'.

Goa Damão and Diu joined 9 other Portuguese countries, Macau, Portugal, Brasil, Moçambique, Cabe Verde, Angola, São Tomé e Principe, Timor and Guiné Bissau, where each of the countires exhibited their best of art, culture and gastronomy. Cabe Verde was phenomenal with their best exhibition ever and deservingly bagged the 1st prize for the best display.

Goa Damão and Diu's culture, art and gastromomy also featured at the Festa de Lusofonia 2009, held on 9th to to 11th October 2009, at 'Casa de Museu' open air square in Taipa, Macau.

2009-06-11T07:07:00.004-07:00

MARVELOUS ACHIEVEMENT
GOA AND DIU ARE THE NEW
"7 WONDERS OF THE PORTUGUESE WORLD"

A marvelous achievement for Goa and Diu. From the 27 wonders constructed by the Portuguese, nominated to be the 7 Wonders of the Portuguese World, Basilica de Bom Jesus , Goa and Forteleza de Diu, among others are the new "7 Wonders of the Portuguese World".

All the "7 Wonders of the Portuguese World"

Basilica de Bom Jesus (Goa/India/Asia)

Fortaleza de Diu (Diu/India/Asia)

Igreja de Sao Paulo (Macau/China/Asia)

Fortaleza de Mazagao (El Jadida/Marrocos/Africa)

Cidade Velha de Santiago (Ilha de Santiago/Cabo Verde/Africa)

Convento de Sao Francisco de Assis da Penitencia (Curo Preto/Brazil/South America)

Convento de Sao Francisco e Ordem Terceira (Sao Salvador da Baia/Brazil/South America)

2009-04-20T07:44:00.004-07:00

SAUDADES DE DAMÃO.........do Hermenegildo Lopes

Interessante as quadras escritas por um apaixonado por coisas da sua terra e dedicadas aos seus concidadãos emigrantes. Por isso achamos por bem, através do nosso blog dar publicidade às mesmas.
Interesting poem written by someone who loves the wonderful things from his native place and dedicated it to his fellow emigrants, which we are gald to publish in our blog.
J.C

~SAUDADES DE DAMÃO~

Saudades da minha terra
Ah! Quem me dera
Brincar ao Carnaval
Que ninguém leva a mal.

Saudades da minha terra
Ah! Quem me dera
Ir ao mar no dia de São João
Tanto palpita o meu coração.

Saudades da minha terra
Ah! Quem me dera
Festejar o Natal
Uma Festa universal.

Saudades de minha igreja
Que todo o povo cristão deseja
Saudades das festas e da procissão
Das quais sinto tão grande emoção.

Saudades tenho eu de ti, meu Damão,
Das espetadas de leitão
Dos deliciosos doces de grão
E barradas de bombilins, com o saboroso camarão.

Enfim, quando me lembro de Damão
Digo a sério, e não minto,
Bate, bate coração
Nem sei o que sinto!

Dedicado aos emigrantes da minha terra
Hermenegildo Lopes
Damão - Março de 2009

2009-04-19T04:44:00.004-07:00

DAMÃO has a new Bridge of Hope
...............RAJIV GANDHI SETHU

On the 4th of December, 2008 a new day dawned in Damão for people of the two sides across the Damanganga river, in Portuguese known as 'Rio Sandalcalo'.

With great pomp and aspirations, the new bridge was officially inaugurated by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi - chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the President of All India National Congress Party amongst other National and local Damão authorities. The opening was witnessed by thousands of locals as well as people of other walks of life.

The bridge lies to the far-Kachigam side of the river away from the hustle and bustle of the main Big and Small Daman jetty waterfront.

Unlike the previous Bridge of Horror, that un-bridged and collapsed, had limitations, was frail and fatal, and eventually forced a long detour via Vapi to reach Small Daman and also shunted growth in Big Daman, this bridge is a new hope and we all aspire this will be a Bridge of lasting Hope for the people of Damão.

GOAN CONSECRATES HER LIFE TO GOD

2009-02-23T07:38:00.002-08:00

Eugenia Figueiredo celebrated her perpetual vows in the Congregation of “Servants of Our Lady of Fatima” on the 21st of December, 2008 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Many sisters of her community and her close family members participated in this act of consecration of her whole life to our Lord.

Eugenia started her work as a nun in Portugal and was later sent to Mekuburi, north of Mozambique for missionary training and experience.

Sister Eugenia is the daughter of a Goan family, and grew up in Macau, where she finished her primary and secondary education. She is the daughter of Fatima and late Fortunato Figueiredo.

FESTA DA LUSOFONIA 2008 IN MACAU, WITH GOA -DAMÃO - DIU

2008-11-28T21:14:00.000-08:00

TUNA GOESA IN MACAU

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For Goa Damão and Diu this year's 'Festival da Lusofonia 2008' started with Tuna Goesa. As part of their Macau tour performance for the 'Festival da Lusofonia 2008', at the invitation of Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa Damão e Diu (NACGDD)', supported by Instituto para os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais, Tuna Goesa made their first stage appearance in Macau on 4th November at 'Largo de Senado' . This was a promotional stage performance at the city center of Macau.
Our Goan Fadista, Sonia Shirsat did not disappoint anyone. In fact, along with Trio Orlando, she certainly impressed Macau and kept the audience and passers-by amazed. After having shown the Portuguese on the Portuguese stage in Portugal, she's left her mark and exceptional voice echoing in Macau. At the preliminary promotional show itself, with her nightingale voice and her natural style, Sonia has shown Macau that Goa possesses world class singers and musicians.

DEKHNI

Our famous 'Dekhni' sung by Sónia Shirsat and the dance by group 'Alegria' thrilled the audience.

CONVIVÍO GOA DAMÃO E DIU, AMIGOS E SIMPATIZANTES
A dinner – 'Convivio, Goa Damão e Diu, Amigos e Simpatizantes', was hosted by 'Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa Damão e Diu (NACGDD)' at the Ocean Club in Taipa on 5th November 2008. Apart from other food, dishes like Sarapatel de Damão, Vinho de Alho, Barrada de Camarão, Xacuti de Galinha and Bebinca was prepared. The dinner was in honour of the visiting group 'Tuna Goesa' as well as members of all the Portuguese speaking countries of Macau and friends of Goa Damão e Diu. The President José Colaço welcomed all present. Tuna Goesa with the sensational Sónia Shirsat sang a Portuguese and a Konkanni song to delight the guests. Finally, like in the traditional way all joined in singing and dancing - 'matando saudades da nossa terra'.

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TUNA GOESA AT LUSOFONIA 2008

Tuna Goesa showcased themselves and displayed Goa's talent on the 7th of November at Largo de Nossa Senhor do Carmo where they shared the stage with groups from all the Portuguese speaking countries such as Macau, Angola, Timor Leste, Moçambique, Portugal, Cabo Verde, Brazil, São Tomé e Princípe and Guiné Bissau.

Goa's dancing group Alegria lead by Messais Tavares known for organizing the Goan carnival floats also enchanted Macau with their dances – 'the Kunbi Dance', 'the Cotti Dance','the Mando' and 'the Dekhni'.

Tuna Goesa comprising of Sonia Shirsat, Orlando de Noronha, Sidarth Cota, Sancho Menezes along with Messias Tavares, Scalat Martins, Celina Xavier and Shawn Tavares enchanted the the audience as well as tourists with their music and dances.
Undoubtedly, Tuna Goesa overwhelmed the people of Macau and made the Goa Damão and Diu community in Macau proud. Cheers to Tuna Goesa! Long Live the voice of Sonia Shirsat !
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GRUPO DE DANÇAS ECANTARES DE GOA DAMÃO E DIU AT LUSOFONIA 2008

Grupo de Danças e Cantares de Goa Damão e Diu accompanied with muscians all the way from Goa, 'Trio Orlando', with their professional and talented music, performed on the Lusofonia Carmo stage with songs like Goa, Goa, Goa...., Marcha de Fontainhas and Rapsódia de Damão.
Grupo de Dances e Cantares de Goa Damão e Diu accompanied by Trio Orlando sang the Rapsodia de Damâo and the Dekhni, while Grupo Alegria danced at the Goa Damão e Diu pavilion. The VIP and visitors danced with us too.
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Grupo de Danças e cantares de Goa Damão e Diu together with Tuna Goesa went to each participating country pavilion serenading Goa Damão e Diu songs and dancing where all joined, which was widely acclaimed.
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The Goa Damão pavilion was vibrating with singing , dancing and food galore
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A GLIMPSE OF ALL THE PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES PAVILION
Here is a glimpse of the pavilion of all the participating countries of the Portuguese speaking world at the Lusofonia 2008. View Photos

GOA, DAMAO E DIU WINNERS OF LUSOFONIA 2008
Goa Damão e Diu community in Macau under “Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa Damão e Diu (NACGDD)” is proud to announce that once again this year we have shown our supremacy in the midst of giant countries like Macau, Angola, Timor Leste, Moçambique, Portugal, Cabo Verde, Brazil, São Tomé e Princípe and Guiné Bissau.
A dinner was offered to all participating countries and dignitaries by the organizers of the Festival da Lusofonia on 12th November 2008, at the Macau Tower. Goa Damão e Diu pavilion was declared as the winner for the best performing country in the production of its replica, 'Farol de Forte Aguada', under the theme 'Memoria de Uma Cultura'; its interior display with different attires, spices, arts and crafts; cultural programme at the pavillion as well as the serenading at other participating pavilions; and the sumptuous Goa Damão e Diu delicacies.
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EXTENSIVE COVERAGE FROM LOCAL MEDIA
Local media gave extensive coverage of the Lusofonia 2008, where among others, Tuna Goesa with Sonia Shirsat and Grupo Alegria as well as the Goa Damão e Diu pavilion was on the tabloid.
News clip 1, News clip 2, News clip 3, View other clips

NACGDD HONOURS ST. ANA ALFONSO DE IMMACULADA CONCEIÇÃO
The Goa Damão e Diu community offered a mass in honour of Saint Ana Alfonsa de Immaculada Conceição, the Indian Saint who was canonized on 12th October 2008 at the Vatican by Pope Benedict XVI and also to pray for the persecution of the Catholics in India. View Video

VIVA GOA, VIVA DAMÃO, VIVA DIU

GOA DAMÃO & DIU in Festival da Lusofonia 2008

2008-10-30T08:30:00.006-07:00

Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa, Damão e Diu, (NACGDD), representing Goa Damão and Diu will participate in the traditional Festa da Lusofonia, organized by Instituto para os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais (IACM), as over the years. However this year with a greater participation from all Portuguese speaking countries including China, with a full week celebration, upgraded to “Festival da Lusofonia 2008”-Semana Cultural da China e dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (Cultural Week of China and Portuguese Speaking Countries), which will be held between 3rd and 9th November 2008, in Macau.

For the first time since the past 11 years of our participation in this popular Festa da Lusofonia, “Tuna Goesa”, lead by Goan musician of repute Orlando de Noronha, to the voice of Goa’s sensational singer Sonia Shirsat, well known for their enchanting music, not only in Goa but also on the international stage, will be performing in Macau for the first time at the “Festival da Lusofonia 2008”.

As part of the week long festival, “Tuna Goesa” will perform at Largo de Senado, side by side with Maria de Barros (Cabo Verde) and Grupo de Danças Tradicional Lo’o (Timor –Leste), between 19:30 and 21:30hrs on 4th November 2008.

A dinner will be hosted on 5th November at 7:30pm at the Ocean Club, in honour of our musical guest “Tuna Goesa” together with our community as well as members of the Portuguese speaking countries and friends of Goa, Damão and Diu in Macau.

The highlight of the Macau tour of “Tuna Goesa” will be at the Amphitheater of Taipa Houses-Museum, on 7th November 2008, between 20:30 and 24:00hrs, sharing the stage with Grupo de Danças Tradicional Lo’o (Timor –Leste) and O2 (Angola). As in the past 10 years the Grupo de Danças e Cantares de Goa Damão e Diu in Macau, this year by special request, will also give a short performance on 9th November, this year accompanied by “Trio Orlando”.

Our Goa, Damão and Diu pavilion will display its yearly prize winning real size replicas and this time its the magnificent Portuguese heritage the Fort Aguada Lighthouse, with the theme being "Memória de uma Cultura"-Memory of a Culture.

PRESENTATION OF THE ASSOCIATION TO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF RAEM (Região Administrativo especial de Macau) Dr. EDMUNDO HO HAU WAH

2008-09-27T23:46:00.000-07:00

Representative of the Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa Damão e Diu (nacgdd), was received by H. E. Dr. Edmundo Ho Hou Wah at his office, the former Palácio do Governador, in the erstwhile Portuguese regime, who warmly welcomed Dr. Rui Cunha, Dr Salvador Figueiredo, José Colaço, Óscar Menezes and Oscar Noruega on 12th of January 2007. (Members of NACGDD with Dr. Ho)

Dr. Ho who has officiated as the Chief Guest for many of the occasions and events where he has testified our arts, culture and cuisine did not require much introduction of our culture.

He was pleased with the formation of Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa Damão e Diu -NACGDD, and pledged his support and extended his good wishes to NACGDD. He wished the community of Goa Damão and Diu a prosperous life and a fruitful career in serving Macau.

He reminded us of the delicious samosas and bebinca which he very much enjoys when it is served to him at many of our events.

Similar visits were also made to the president of IPOR «Institute Portuguese do Orient».

INSTALLATION OF THE 1ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE

2008-09-27T03:18:00.000-07:00

The first ever General Assembly Committee was put to vote on 28th of December 2006, where the one and only list was tabled, voted and approved. The approved General Assembly Committee will govern for a period of two years.

Members of the General Assembly.

General Assembly

President : Dr. Rui Cunha
Board member : Dr. Cândido Azevedo
Board member : Hélio Oliveira

Audit Council

President : Dr. Salvador Figueiredo
Board member : Óscar Menezes
Board member : Rui Minguel Leão

Governing Board

President : José Colaço
Secretary : Athos Fernandes
Treasurer : Óscar Noruega
Board member : Estevam Gomes
Board member : Emalita Rocha

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NÚCLEO DE ANIMAÇÃO CULTURAL DE GOA DAMÃO E DIU - NACGDD

2008-09-27T02:34:00.000-07:00

Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa Damão e Diu -NACGDD, was officially published in the Macau gazette, Boletim Official de Macau no.51, Serie II, dated 21.12.2006, whereby the Grupo de Dancas e Cantares de Goa Damao e Diu, forms an integral part.

REGISTRATION OF NÚCLEO DE ANIMAÇÃO CULTURAL DE GOA DAMÃO E DIU - NACGDD

2008-09-27T02:19:00.000-07:00

After decades of Indo-Portuguese existence in Macau through the efforts of the community of Goa, Damão and Diu, the much desired association of the Indo-Portuguese community residing in Macau was officially registered at a government notary on the 11th. of December 2006, in the name of ‘Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa Damão e Diu -NACGDD.

With a glass of wine and bebinca, all present toasted to commemorate the birth of NACGDD and obviously for its success and longevity.

For years, the small but vibrant Macau’s Indo-Portuguese community has been promoting and divulging the art and culture of our beautiful and rich land in Macau.

GOA, DAMÃO AND DIU COMMUNITY IN MACAU

2008-09-26T21:33:00.002-07:00

The small but dynamic community of Goa Damão and Diu in Macau, has very much made their presence felt here in Macau, a Chinese dominated, multicultural territory with people not only from the Portuguese speaking countries but also from other walks of life.

The art, culture and gastronomy of Goa, Damão and Diu are well known and very much appreciated in Macau. For years through the ‘Grupo de Danças e Cantares de Goa Damão e Diu’, the folk songs and dances like, Aum Saibá Poltodi Vétam, Barra de Damão, O` Divan de Mogará and others have been virtually instilled in the hearts of the Portuguese, Chinese and other communities. The people of Macau are so familiar with the historical and religious monuments through the construction of replicas of the Arco de Vis Rei in Goa, Fortaleza de São Jerónimo in Damão, Fortim do Mar in Diu and other monuments. They have also captured the taste of our Sarapatel, Samosas, Bebinca, Aranha do Céu, Bolinhas de Coco and many more.

With its mark strongly inlaid in Macau, the cultural and diplomatic event-organizers of Macau specifically those linked to the Portuguese culture, can’t simply exclude our participation. The Grupo de Danças e Cantares de Goa Damão e Diu, has been promoting and livening the occasions such as “Dia das Camões.. das Cumunidades e de Portugalidade” or 10 de Junho, Dia de Cidade de Macau, which is on the 24th of June which coincides with the Feast of São João, and until the erst-while Portuguese rule was a holiday - unfortunately not any more. This popular ‘Festa do São João’ has been revived after being suspended for a couple of years. ‘Grupo de Danças e Cantares de Goa Damão e Diu’, has always been invited to perform on this day where we do not hesitate to show that we too celebrate São João by singing São João, São João. São João..dai nos…, Rio Sandalcalo etc. Even papdi and Gunn, a locally available fruit seasoned in vinegar and water - (the Damão aceitonas).

The most significant of all is our involvement in the ‘Festa de Lusofonia’, (Lusofonia-portuguese speaking countries) organized by the Institute de Assuntos Cívicos de Macau, (formerly Leal Senado de Macau) and the Macau Government Tourism Office. This yearly event was started in 1998 and has become an important event to the local government as a tourist attraction. Participating countries such as Macau, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Brazil, Sao Tome e Principe, Cabo Verde, Brazil, Timor, and Goa, Damão e Diu promote their art, culture and food.

Not to boast, Goa Damão e Diu has been prominent with its magnificent exhibits and our pavilion has won either 1st, 2nd or 3rd prizes, practically every year. With its life size replicas of monuments which have been interior decorated with, traditional clothing, arts and crafts, caju fenni, posters, Indian condiments, not sparing the grinding stone (rogdo in Konkanni and pedra de moeira tempeira in Damão-Diu portuguese), clay water pot (gurgulo in Konkanni and calão in Damão-Diu Portuguese), coconut grater (gantonem/…… in Konkanni and ralador de coco-in Damão and Diu Portuguese), All these brought all the way from Goa, Damão or Diu. Thanks to the talents of some of our community members - visitors, tourists and organizers are overwhelmed. Participating countries never doubt that we should be awarded a prize for the most original and artistic pavilion where our effort, time, dedication, craftsmanship and above all the originality is portrayed year on year.

The Grupo de Danças e Cantares de Goa, Damão e Diu with its local talent, but of high quality have been commended for our traditional songs, dances and costumes. Even the locals and notably the Portuguese kids who are part of the group can sing: Aum saibá poltodi vétam, Damulea lognacú vétam, maka saibá vattu dacoi maka saibá vattu collonam....,

Barra de Damão......

Our delicious sarapatel, xacuti, espetada, samosas, bhajias, bhaji de batata, apas (chapatti) bebinca, bolos, aranhas do ceu etc, have brought mouth-watering locals and tourists returning to our pavilion for more.

On the religious aspect, the local community of Macau has realized how devoted the Catholics of Goa-Damão and Diu are. For years, the 3rd of December is celebrated, remembering our patron saint, Saint Francis Xavier. An Eucharistic celebration in Konkanni/Portuguese/English, with the culminating hymn…..Sáo Francisco Xavierá…. Tuji kuddi Goem xará……… to the Patron Saint of Goa, is attended by the community of Goa, Damão e Diu as well as the local devotees of St. Francis Xavier.

And with candles in their hands, the same way the Damaneses do it on the steps of Câmara Municipal de Damão, the local Damão community here has been celebrating the ‘Festa de Nossa Senhora das Candeias’ on the 2nd of February for the past 14 years.
And undoubtedly a spread of traditional food, singing and dancing goes with it. All this is savoured by our local invitees. To be frank, people from our community long for our traditional, zesty and mouth-watering spread too.

The Rosary with a Litany and the Way of the Cross are also held by our community where the locals also join in.

Through all this, for years, the Goa-Damão-Diu community of the past and the present has strongly made its presence felt in Macau.