Festivals in Goa in May 2025

In this blog post, we will explore the major festivals in Goa in May 2025, offering a mix of fun, tradition, and excitement.

Why You Should Visit Goa in May for Its Festivals

May in Goa isn’t just about the beaches or the sun. It’s a month filled with festivals that celebrate everything from Goa’s agrarian traditions to its rich culinary scene and vibrant cultural heritage. The month of May in Goa is when locals and tourists unite to celebrate the things that make Goa so unique – its wines, its food, its culture, and its spirituality.

If you’re planning a trip to Goa, here’s a look at the top festivals in Goa in May that you should mark on your calendar.

Popular Festivals in Goa in May 2025

Grape Escapade Festival

• Date: May 2025
• Location: Panjim
• Main Attractions: Wine tasting, live music, food stalls, dance performances, fashion shows
• Special Feature: Grape Escapade Queen contest

India’s biggest wine festival, the Grape Escapade Festival, is a must-attend event for wine lovers. Held in Panjim, this event brings together both Indian and international wine producers. Festival-goers can enjoy wine tasting sessions, indulge in delicious food, and be entertained by live performances. The festival also features fashion shows and a wine stomping contest, where participants get to stomp on grapes to extract juice – a fun and interactive experience.

Goa Cashew & Coconut Festival

• Date: May 2025
• Location: Panaji
• Main Attractions: Cashew stomping, coconut breaking, feni tasting, Goan food stalls
• Special Feature: Feni cocktails, local competitions

Goa’s agricultural roots take center stage at the Goa Cashew & Coconut Festival. This festival celebrates the state’s most iconic produce – cashews and coconuts. Held in Panaji, the event offers visitors a chance to participate in fun activities like cashew stomping and coconut breaking. The festival also features local food stalls serving traditional Goan dishes, along with feni tastings, where you can savor Goa’s famous local spirit.

Goa Heritage Festival (Heritage Zatra)

• Date: May 2025
• Locations: Fatorda, Margao, Corjuem Fort (North Goa)
• Main Attractions: Local handicrafts, traditional Goan music, cultural exhibitions

The Goa Heritage Festival, or Heritage Zatra, is a celebration of Goa’s rich cultural and historical legacy. Held in the first week of May, the festival offers an incredible opportunity to explore traditional Goan music, local arts and crafts, and a variety of exhibitions that showcase Goa’s rich heritage. Whether you’re visiting the forts of North Goa or exploring the vibrant handicrafts in Fatorda, this festival is a fantastic way to dive deep into the local culture.

Igitun Chalne (Fire Walking) – Shirgao Zatra

• Date: May 2025
• Location: Shirgao, Bicholim
• Main Attractions: Fire-walking ritual, religious festival

The Igitun Chalne ritual during the Shirgao Zatra is a fascinating and spiritual festival where devotees walk barefoot over burning coals as a form of penance and devotion. This age-old tradition draws both locals and tourists, offering a unique insight into the spiritual practices of Goa. The fire-walking ceremony is not just a spectacle but a profound display of faith and resilience.

Feast of Mae de Deus

• Date: May 2025
• Location: Saligao
• Main Attractions: Religious ceremonies, local traditions, community celebrations

The Feast of Mae de Deus celebrates the patroness of Saligao, Mae de Deus (Mother of God). This religious festival is marked by a special mass, followed by a procession and community gatherings. It’s an essential cultural experience for anyone interested in Goa’s Christian heritage. Locals come together to honor the Virgin Mary and celebrate Goan traditions through music, food, and prayer.

Goa Food & Cultural Festival (Various Events in May)

• Date: May 2025
• Location: Various Locations
• Main Attractions: Goan cuisine, food stalls, live music, cooking competitions

While the main Goa Food & Cultural Festival takes place in January, there are still food-related events held in May. These events offer visitors a chance to sample Goan cuisine and enjoy cultural performances. From cooking demonstrations to live music, the festival brings the rich flavors of Goa’s food scene to the forefront.

Cinephile Film Club Screenings (Throughout May)

• Date: May 2025
• Location: Maquinez Palace Theater, Panaji
• Main Attractions: Film screenings, indie cinema, cultural films

For cinephiles, the Cinephile Film Club offers a chance to watch critically acclaimed films from India and around the world. Held every Thursday throughout May at the Maquinez Palace Theater in Panaji, this is an excellent event for film lovers looking to explore indie and international cinema.

Summary Table: Major Festivals in Goa in May 2025

Festival/Event	Dates	Location(s)	Highlights
Grape Escapade	2nd–4th May 2025	Panjim	Wine tasting, music, dance, food
Goa Cashew & Coconut Fest	17th–18th May 2025	Panaji	Cashew/coconut activities, feni, cuisine
Goa Heritage Festival	First week of May	Fatorda, Margao, Corjuem Fort	Culture, music, crafts, exhibitions
Igitun Chalne	First week of May	Shirgao, Bicholim	Fire-walking ritual, religious festival
Feast of Mae de Deus	First Sunday of May	Saligao	Church feast, local traditions
Food & Cultural Festival	Some events in May	Various locations	Food stalls, competitions, live music
Cinephile Film Club	Thursdays in May	Panaji	Film screenings

Planning Your Goa Trip? Don’t Miss These Popular Festivals in May 2025!

May in Goa is an incredible time to visit, with festivals that allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture, taste the unique Goan cuisine, and witness remarkable religious and cultural rituals. From wine tasting to fire-walking, Goa’s festivals in May are an experience that everyone should have at least once in a lifetime.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Goa, make sure to include these events in your itinerary. Share your experiences, and let us know which festival you’re most excited about!

Celebrate Goa’s Festivals in May at Soul Vacation – Your Gateway to South Goa’s Vibrant Culture

Looking for the perfect resort in Goa to experience the vibrant festivals in May? Soul Vacation Resort is your ideal destination. Situated near Colva Beach, Benaulim, and Betalbatim, our resort in South Goa offers the perfect blend of comfort and culture, giving you easy access to top festivals like the Grape Escapade, Goa Cashew & Coconut Fest, and Shirgao Zatra.

• Luxury and Comfort: As one of the finest luxury resorts in South Goa, we offer spacious rooms with modern amenities, a peaceful atmosphere, and a relaxing ambiance—ideal after a day of vibrant celebrations.
• Family & Budget-Friendly: Whether you are looking for family resorts in South Goa or budget resorts in South Goa, Soul Vacation Resort offers affordable options for all types of travelers.
• Ayurveda & Wellness: For a rejuvenating experience, our Ayurveda resort in South Goa offers traditional therapies and yoga, allowing you to unwind after the festivities.
• Perfect for Honeymoons: Our intimate setting makes us one of the top honeymoon resorts in South Goa, offering a serene escape for couples looking to celebrate their love.
• Swimming Pool & Boutique Charm: Enjoy a relaxing swim in our resorts in South Goa with swimming pool, or unwind in the peaceful ambiance of our boutique resorts in South Goa.

🎉 Book Your Stay at Soul Vacation

Discover the magic of Goa’s festivals while staying at our beautiful resort near Margao and resorts near Colva Beach Goa. Soul Vacation Resort offers the perfect blend of luxury, culture, and relaxation for your festival getaway.

FAQs about Festivals in May