Dear esteemed Goan Press & Media community member, I am sending you this Press Note, on behalf of our Parish Priest Fr. Americo Rodrigues (marked in Cc), about the amazing multi-cultural programme last Sunday (18/May) evening which brought together all communities from the Chorao island and beyond.
Attached is a compact collage of the best moments from the Fiesta while these and other high-resolution photos are available to you at this Google Drive folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UxoIG4v25zvKtW3UJRtrAvYUUbY_SR3W?usp=sharing You may reach out to Fr. Americo on +917020664010 for more details if needed. All Chorao island people will be very happy to see their unique programme covered in your esteemed publication in the coming days. Thanks much in advance. Regards, Vincent. *PRESS NOTE:* *Fiesta de Graça was an amazing evening at Chorao island like never before!* Goa’s largest, most picturesque and historical island, Chorao, came alive like never before last Sunday evening (18/May) with the grand and impressive *Fiesta de Graça* celebrations on the occasion of the annual feast of Our Lady of Grace Church at Madel. Organised by the parishioners under the direction of their visionary and dynamic Parish Priest, *Fr. Americo Rodrigues*, and his team, with the primary objective of bringing all Chorao Island communities together, it was an evening filled with fun, music, singing, comedy, dancing, exciting games, delicious Goan village food and beverages, and lots of surprise prizes at the Royal Grace open-air hall in the church compound. Pop-up stalls showcasing pottery, toys, and handcrafted artefacts, besides creatively designed selfie booths, added a special touch to the venue. The fiesta programme was meticulously curated and executed flawlessly by *Raymond Pereira of Ray’s Atelier (Colva)* and *Xavier D’Mello (Coordinator)*, along with the Fiesta Team and parishioners. The fiesta was inaugurated by Fr. Americo and his key team leaders, releasing three wild doves who, interestingly, instead of flying away, attended the fiesta till the end from atop a light post on the dance floor! The *Goa Institute of Performing Arts (GIPA)* presented a beautiful Goan dance performance to get the evening rolling, with their additional high-energy dance performances interspersed throughout the fiesta. The unstoppable live-wire emcee, *Felly Gomes*, electrified the event from start to finish by getting the typically restive Chorao islanders and many guests from beyond the island to actively participate in the fun games and dancing. *Lenoy Gomendes & Group* delivered a rich variety of live Konkani songs sung by renowned singers such as *Lawry Travasso, Seby de Divar, Elvis Mascarenhas, George Gonsalves, Sheena Gracias, Voller & Kimberly D’Costa, Pershirl Fernandes, Grezello Fernandes*, and *Ninoshka Menezes*. In between, comedians *Humbert* and *Ambe* had the audience in splits with their comedy, while *Amresh Kamat* delivered his trademark brilliant mimicry. Chorao school students, trained by *Sr. Cindrella Rodrigues*, performed a beautiful Goan dance sequence to traditional *dulpods*. *Lawry Travasso’s “Goan Masala”* set the dance floor on fire, with almost the entire crowd getting into the groove and dancing their hearts out! *DJ Richard Lobo* took over from there and treated the youth to their favourite latest dance numbers till the end of the fiesta. *Balthazar Fernandes*, the renowned retired Bollywood musician from *Kalyanji-Anandji’s* team and a native of the parish, inspired many to the dance floor by dancing with his beloved wife to every song from the outset at the fiesta. Generous sponsorships – in terms of funds, food, facilities, etc. – came from all communities of Chorao Island as well as from across Goa, thanks to Fr. Americo’s goodwill and his community-bonding vision for the fiesta. Interestingly, over 300 each of *sannas* (i.e., traditional Goan rice idlis) and *chicken lollipops* came all the way from South Goa! *Fiesta de Graça* was a triumphant celebration of community and collaboration like never before on Chorao Island, showcasing the incredible strength that comes from unity. An unforgettable evening filled with thoroughly enjoyable, wholesome entertainment, fun, delicious food, and community bonding! And most likely, it’s the first of many more such programmes to happen at Chorao Island in the months and years ahead.
