Feast of St. Francis Xavier

This annual festival, known as the Feast of St Francis Xavier or Goinchea Saibache Fest, (Lord of Goa Festival), is the biggest of all the Christian festivals in Goa. This feast is celebrated every year in Old Goa on 3rd December at the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Preceding the feast 9 days of novenas are held and attended by pilgrims from all over the world. There is a grand fair where stalls selling sweetmeats, toys, and clothing line the streets. The body of the saint was laid to rest in a silver casket which was placed in the Basilica of Bom Jesus where it remains to this day. Once every ten years there is a public viewing of his body, the next being due in 2024.

Location: Old Goa

Don’t miss: The body of the saint in the silver casket and grand fair of stalls.