Christmas is celebrated vigorously in the old Portuguese colony of Goa. The many grand churches and cathedrals that cover the region can barely contain festivities that spill onto the streets as people exchange gifts, decorate buildings and bake delicious cakes and puddings.

There are many Christians in Goa, a legacy of the Portuguese, and there is a fair degree of harmony between the Christian and Hindu communities. Christmas is celebrated here with similar enthusiasm to Diwali.

During the festive season, just as in Europe but without the snow, glittering Christmas trees adorn street corners and marketplaces, while shops and homes sparkle with decorations.

Everyone enjoys the festivities, but for the devout the celebration begins on Christmas Eve with the singing of carols and midnight mass in a number of churches. After that, the rest of the day is devoted to family get-togethers, and, of course, eating.

Christmas, like anywhere else in the world, is celebrated in Goa too with traditional joy and festivity. During Xmas the markets are all decorated with glitter and people cloaked as Santa stalk customers with gifts in the big cities.

Children in particular enjoy this day. Beautifully adorned and dazzling Christmas trees, light up the city of Goa. Dancing feet, lapping waves, milky moon and a pounding music beat, Christmas and New Year provides an escape at Goa from the frenzy of shopping and the chill of a European winter.

Take part in more Christian festivals in Goa or See Hindu festivals in Goa