Feast of St Francis Xavier Festival of Goa

Name of Festival : Feast of St Francis Xavier Festival

Time of Celebration
Feast of St. Francis Xavier is begins each year from 3rd December

Major Territory of Celebration
This festival is celebrated in Goa state of India

About Festival
Feast of St Francis Xavier Festival is one of the best festival in Goa.This festival is celebrated on 3rd December every year at Velha Goa or Old Goa.St. Francis Xavier, referred to as “Goencho Saib” (Lord of Goa) by Goans, is the Patron Saint of Goa. During this festival ,hosts a variety of ceremonies to honour the Saint’s death.

During this festival Basilica of Bom Jesus is decorated beautifully and entire Goa comes alive with celebrations and merrymaking.People offers the mass prayers and begin as early as 4 am.

Saint body is exposed to public once every 10th years and on this occasion pilgrims from all over the world came to pay homage.

History of Festival
St. Francis Xavier was revered saint who came to Goa along with the Portuguese in order to spread Christianity.In Basilica of Bom Jesus , the mortal of St. Francis Xavier are still preserved.

Highlights of Festival
Small fairs ,carnival , marks the death anniversary of Saint Francis Xavier are the main Highlights of this festival