Goa is more than just beaches with lots of sun and fun things to do at night. It’s also home to many colorful festivals that show off the country’s rich culture and the happy spirit of its people. From amazing music festivals to colorful cultural fairs and a delicious food carnival, Goa’s event calendar is known for being one of a kind. These festivals in Goa have something special for everyone, whether you like to party, eat, or celebrate culture. When you go to Goa in 2025, you should know about the most important festivals there so that you can plan your trip around them.
Festival of Shigmo, March 8, 2025, Saturday
One of the biggest traditional Hindu events in Goa is the Shigmo festival. People celebrate it to welcome spring, and some people call it Goa’s version of Holi. Folk dancers from Goa, such as Fugdi and Ghode Modni, perform in the streets, and floats with scenes from Hindu mythology light up the night. It’s a party with happy music, color throwing, and delicious Goan food for both locals and tourists. The festival usually lasts for two weeks and takes place in different towns in Goa. The grand float parades are a must-see. Some of the best places to see the celebrations are in Panaji, Margao, and Ponda. The Shigmo festival is a treat for anyone who wants to learn more about Goa’s beautiful cultural history. If you are coming from somewhere else in Goa, you can think about Goa rent cars to get to this great festival.
From April 9 to 13, Wednesday through Sunday, there will be the Goa Food and Cultural Festival.
The Goa Food and Cultural Festival is a must-see if you love food. This is a five-day event that brings together the best of Goan food, music, and culture from April 9th to April 13th, 2025. This event is put together by the Tourism Department of Goa and usually takes place at the Campal Grounds in Panaji. It’s going to be a treat for your taste buds to try everything from seafood to fusion dishes to street food. The festival has food stands, live music, performances by local bands, dance groups, and art displays that make it feel like a carnival. It’s the perfect chance to learn about Goa’s food history and enjoy the beautiful Goan vibe at the same time.
Sunday, June 23, São João Festival, September 2
North Goa, especially Siolim and the nearby villages, celebrates the São João festival like no other. It takes place during the rainy season. Every year on June 24, it’s held to honor St. John the Baptist, who is said to have jumped for joy in his mother’s womb. Around this time of the year, young men drink Feni and then jump into ponds, wells, and streams. Folk dancers and singers wear flower crowns called kopel and sing and dance to lovely traditional songs. There are brightly colored boats, live music, and water games that make the mood even better. During the rainy season, you can see Catholic traditions and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Goa. You can rent a car in Goa and get to the right festival spots if you want to be a part of this great event.
On November 20–28, Thursday and Friday are the days of the Goa International Film Festival.
The Goa International Film Festival, which is sometimes called the International Film Festival of India, is one of the most important events in Goa for movie fans. This festival takes place from November 20th to November 28th, 2025, and brings together movie fans, filmmakers, and actors from all over the world. International films, documentaries, and retrospectives are shown, and there are master classes and panel discussions as well. It is mostly held in Panaji. Whether you are a movie buff or just like good movies, this festival is one of the best ways to learn about world cinema and enjoy the beach at the same time. Check out Goa’s intellectual and artistic side at this time. You might even see some famous people.
Sunburn Festival, December 27–29, Saturday through Monday
This year is coming to a great end with the Sunburn Festival, which is Asia’s largest Electronic Dance Music festival. The event will take place in Vagator Beach, North Goa, from December 27th to December 29th, 2025. People from all over the world come to this festival to listen to music and watch top DJs. It’s a huge party with lots of music, dance, and energy. There are beautiful stages, fireworks, food courts, and even shopping areas. Over a thousand people are dancing under the stars at Sunburn, which is the place to be if you like wild parties. It is one of the unforgettable experiences that will show you how Goas party these days.
How do I get around?
If you want to enjoy this festival at your own pace, you should be able to choose how to get there. A lot of people who come to Goa like opt car rent Goa so they can easily get around the different towns and festival sites. Self-drive car services are easy to find at airports and other major locations, making it easy to make last-minute plans and day trips to beautiful places in between festivals.
Last thoughts
As of 2025, Goa is more than just a place to go on vacation to the beach. The calendar is packed with fun events. Everyone should go to Sunburn to dance to EDM beats or the Shigmo festival to be a part of tradition. Each event will add a beautiful layer to your travel story. So that you can have the best time in Goa, make sure you plan your trip around these dates.
