St Xavier's feast is celebrated In Goa each year on 3^rd December. This festival is celebrated in honor of St. Francis Xavier, who was a famous Christian missionary more than 500 years ago.

St. Francis Xavier was born in Spain on 7th of April 1506. He came with the Portuguese Viceroy of Goa in 1543, and right away commenced on the task of preaching the teachings of Jesus Christ.

This day is observed as St. Xavier's Feast marked with elaborate enjoyment all over Goa and many fairs are organized.

The festival lasts for more than one day of the feast and begins before December 3^rd. During this time, thousands of devotees gather at the Bom Jesus Basilica and kiss the relic of St. Francis Xavier.

The devotees also come here to heal themselves and their family of diseases as it is believed that the saint nursed many sick and dying people during his time in Goa.

Sometimes they offer gifts made of wax depicting the face, limbs or other parts of the body that have been successfully "healed". Masses begin as early as 4 am, with the solemn High Mass in the mid-morning.

Go back to Christian festivals in Goa or See Hindu festivals in Goa