Eighth Edition of Semana da Cultura Indo – Portuguesa (Goa) Set to Begin

PANAJI:
The culturally rich eighth edition of the Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) is all set to begin. Like the earlier editions this year too will see a celebration of Indian and Portuguese culture including art, cinema, music, poetry,
cuisine, films and more. The event will include an art exhibition by celebrated artist Deviprasad Rao, a fado singing competition, a film festival, music workshops and an evening of Indo Portuguese cuisine and music. The annual event is an effort to celebrate and appreciate the rich cultural flavours of the two nations.
Dr. Rui Carvalho Baceira, Consul General of Portugal in Goa is the Convenor of the Executive Committee while Orty Soares is Chairman of the Executive Committee planning the event.
Orty Soares, Chairman of the Executive Committee planning the event said, “Indian and Portugal are both regions steeped in rich heritage and culture. India is a mingling of diverse cultures, all special in their own way. Goa too has its own unique identity and culture which is a blend of Indian and western nuances. Goa has assimilated the
essence of both regions where people coexist in harmony and joy. Through this event Semana da Cultura Indo – Portuguesa (Goa) we would like to share and enjoy the essence of our diverse culture.”
The Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) celebrations will kick off with an art exhibition titled ‘Lisbon Calling’ by artist Deviprasad Rao with the support of the Consul General of Portugal in Goa, on the 25 th of September at Marquinez Palace, Old GMC Complex. Well know artist Deviprasad Rao will showcase a selection of his art works.
The exhibition has been curated by Nalini Elvino de Souza. The exhibition will be open for viewing till the 28 th of September. Continuing with the celebrations, the Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) will host the fado singing competition on the 27 th of November at Institute Menezes Braganza hall. The first ever fado singing competition which was held in 2013 saw a lot of young talent emerge. In an effort to encourage the beautiful art form, Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) will be collaborating Institute Menezes Braganza to host the fado singing competition.
Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) have also partnered with Fundação Oriente who are hosting the popular musical event ‘Vem Cantar’ and with Institute Camoes who will be organising a Portuguese Poetry writing competition.
One of the key highlights of the cultural celebration is an ‘Evening of Indo Portuguese Cuisine and Music’ which includes a sumptuous selection of Goan – Portuguese cuisine which also includes traditional delicacies. Celebrated chef Fabio Bernadino from Travel & Flavours will be flying down from Portugal to plan the special evening. While in Goa he will be interacting and hosting a masterclass on Portuguese cuisine for Goan chefs. Scheduled to be held on the 17 th of November the event will see a host of Goan musicians perform through the evening.
The Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) celebrations will also bring to movie buffs, a distinct selection of films from Lusofonian countries through the Lusofonia Film Festival which will be held at Maquinez
Palace, Panjim between 6 and 10 October.
Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) was set up and established in the year 2008 at the initiative of the Portuguese Consulate in Goa and by various local organizations namely Indo Portuguese Friendship Society – Goa, Clube Vasco da Gama, Clube Nacional, Clube Harmonia Centro de Língua Portuguesa/Camões, Fundação Oriente
and BPS Club Margao,with an aim and objective to maintain and keep alive the unique Goan culture and Goan identity. The earlier editions of the Semana held in the previous years have all portrayed Goan culture including art, cuisine, films and other art forms through Goan and Portuguese artists who performed in Goa and delighted Goan
audiences. Taking the event beyond the shores of Goa, the fourth edition was held in Lisbon, Portugal.
Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) is supported by the Consulate of Portugal, Clube Vasco-da- Gama, Clube National, Clube Harmonia, BPS Club, Indo-Portuguese Friendship Society, Fundação Oriente and Institute Camões.