Goan Christmas Party in Germany
The Goan Association Germany held its fourth event of the year 2006, on
16th December, with a Christmas Party, attended by over eghty Goans, coming
from different towns, including some Mangaloreans and Germans. The venue
was the^Parish Church Hall of St. Batholmaeus in the city of Frankfurt.
Welcoming the guests, its president Matano Garcias thanked the members
and their friends, for their enthusiastic response to the GAGs call, and had
a word of appreciation to the many helpers in organizing the event. Santa
Claus arrived at 8pm to the delight of the children presnet, whom he
entertained with his ho, ho and ha ha before giving away the gifts. The
hall was packed to its capacity.
For dancing, Disco sound was provided by young Gordon Ferrao, with
excellent selection of music by Sylvia Klafski, catering to the taste of
young and old, including some old traditional Goan numbers. The dance floor
was busy as usual. It was the warmest Christmas Party ever experienced,
with unusual temperature for this time of the year in Germany, where
everyone could take to the floor with their coats removed.
Six-years-old Mark Noronha-Engisch performed a dazzling Break-dance on
the floor, and as part of his act flung his shirt in the air to everyone's
delight. The Party continued untill midnight, with everybody enjoying
dancing and savouring Goan delicacies and food prepared by a handful of
volunteers. The German beer and white wine made the evening all the
merrier.
President Matano Gracias, in his welcome speech, announced that on
completing his three years' term would step down to make place for new blood
to take up the presidentship, and requested all to actively participate in
the next General Body Election in February 2007. That means extra work for
its indefatigable General Secretary -Mariano Pereira, ever ready to oblige.
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