Popular Festivals in Goa 2025
With its eye-catching beaches, lively nightlife, and stunning coastline, the party capital of India, Goa, comes alive with colourful festivals depicting the state’s rich heritage culture and traditions. If you are visiting Goa in 2025, make your way there during the peak festive season and experience your favourite music festivals, spiritual retreats or cultural festivals in Goa.
Here’s the chart for festivals in Goa 2025 with their dates:
| Goa Festivals | Dates |
| Goa Carnival | 1st – 4th March |
| Christmas | 25th December |
| Saptah Festival | 1st August onwards |
| New Year | 31st December |
| Grape Escapade | 2nd – 4th May |
| Goa Food & Cultural Festival | 3rd – 5th January |
| Goa Cashew & Coconut Festival | April/May (TBA) |
| Sao Joao | 24th June |
| Goa Sunburn Festival | 27th – 29th December |
| VH1 Supersonic | 1st February |
| Shigmo Festival | 17th – 31st March |
| Three Kings Feast | 6th January |
| Feast of St. Francis Xavier | 3rd December |
| Bonderam Festival | 4th Saturday of August |
Top Festivals in Goa 2025
1. Goa Carnival (March 1-4, 2025)
Historically, the Goa Carnival is one of the most awaited festivals, celebrated by paraders with grandeur accompanied by music and dance and decorated floats. The carnival was adopted from Portuguese immigrants and signifies the beginning of Lent. The celebration fills the streets of Panaji, Margao and Mapusa with live music and street performances.
Where to Stay: If you plan on attending the carnival, check out the Lemon Tree Hotel near Candolim Beach, which allows for easy access to the main events in Panaji.
2. Shigmo Festival (March 17-31, 2025)
Like all traditional Goan festivals, Shigmo is held to celebrate the folk spirit of spring with dance, music, stunning float parades, and bleachers packed to full capacity, making it Goa’s version of Holi.
Best Locations: Panaji, Mapusa, Ponda, and Margao
Where to Stay: Whereas those seeking relaxation after participating in the festivities, a good option is to stay at the Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort Goa.
3. Sunburn Festival (December 27-29, 2025)
Asia’s most significant electronic dance music (EDM) festival, Sunburn Goa, pulls in the leading international DJs and thousands of music fans concurrently. Organised in Vagator, this festival is well-known and is a must-see for those who love to party.
Best Locations: Vagator Beach
Where to Stay: Lazy Lagoon, Baga – A Lemon Tree Resort, Goa, is in proximity to Vagator and Baga Beach so while still serving the attendees of the festivals, it makes their stay much more comfortable.
4. Feast of St. Francis Xavier (December 3, 2025)
The religious festival dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier, one of the patron saints of Goa, draws churchgoers from all over the world to the saint’s shrine in Old Goa Basilica of Bom Jesus. In Goa, pilgrims come from every corner of the world to pay homage.
Where to Stay: Lemon Tree Hotel, Candolim, Goa, is best suited for tourists keen on the religious and ancient history of Goa.
5. Grape Escapade (January 2025)
Wine has the attention! Grape Escapade, Goa’s annual wine and food festival, gives the charm of wines, gourmet meals, and fantastic performances.
Best Locations: Panaji
Where to Stay: Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort, Goa, offers a luxurious stay with easy access to Panaji’s event venues.
6. Goa Food and Cultural Festival (April 2025)
This festival offers a delight for cuisine lovers for five days and seafood lovers get to enjoy Goan specialities along with other international dishes. The festival has it all with live music, dance performances, and even cooking competitions!
Best Locations: Miramar Beach, Panaji
Where to Stay: Lazy Lagoon, Baga – A Lemon Tree Resort, Goa provides comfortable lodging near the main festival venues.
7. Sao Joao Festival (June 24, 2025)
Boat races and feni are much-loved portions of the festival that herald the onset of monsoon in Goa while youngsters jump on the wells and ponds to reminisce about the birthday of St. John the Baptist.
Best Locations: Siolim, North Goa
Where to Stay: Lemon Tree Hotel, Candolim, Goa is also a perfect place to enjoy this festival.
8. Goa International Film Festival (November 20-28, 2025)
Known as the IFFI, one of the most important film festivals in Asia takes place in India. IFFI attracts filmmakers and audiences worldwide, as this festival promotes international films and provides a venue for filmmakers to connect with one another.
Best Locations: Panaji
Where to Stay: Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort, Goa, offers easy access to festival venues.
Why Visit Goa During Festival Season?
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Folk dances, cultural events and festivals, plus amazing Indian cuisine, exhibit the unique traditions of Goa.
- Cultural Immersion: Goa’s festivals bring the whole state alive with songs, dance and splendid celebrations.
- World-Class Entertainment: When in Goa, you don’t need to miss out on chilling at the beach, since Goa also hosts EDM festivals and movie festivals, providing entertainment for all tourists.
- Diverse Experiences: Like every other place does, Goa celebrates festivals too. Goa’s renowned festivals incorporate the whole state in a grand celebration, including music and dancing.
Where to Stay in Goa for Festivals?
If you’re planning your Goa trip around these festivals, book your stay at:
- Lemon Tree Hotel, Candolim, Goa – Kids and adults can enjoy their getaways with plenty of food, drinks, and music in a single location. Catering to everyone’s needs and including festivities and relaxation makes Goa one of the ideal destinations for travellers.
- Lazy Lagoon, Baga – A Lemon Tree Resort, Goa – Wonderful for those attending Sunburn and visiting the North Goa area.
- Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort, Goa – A comfortable hotel with instant access to locations of the festival.
In 2025, festivals in Goa make the trip worth every second. Be a part of the magnificent Sunburn Festival, gorge on scrumptious food at the Goa food festival or take part in the amazing Shigmo celebration. There is plenty of fun to be had.
Book your stay at one of the Lemon Tree Hotels in Goa to ensure a comfortable and memorable trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the best time to visit Goa for festivals?
Ans. Goa becomes an attraction with cultural festivals from November to March, which include the ever-popular Goa Carnival, Sunburn, and IFFI.
Q2. What are the biggest festivals in Goa?
Ans. The biggest celebrations include the Sunburn Festival, the Goa Carnival, Shigmo, and the Feast of St. Francis Xavier.
Q3. Where is Sunburn Festival held in Goa?
Ans. The festival is celebrated in Vagator, North Goa.
Q4. How can I book hotels for festivals in Goa?
Ans. You may book hotels from various online travel agencies or directly from the hotel websites. Recommended options include Lemon Tree Resort Candolim, Goa, Lazy Lagoon, Baga – A Lemon Tree Resort Goa, and Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort Goa.
Q5. Is the Goa Carnival family-friendly?
Ans. The event is family-friendly, as the Goa Carnival features lively parades, street celebrations, and cultural programs that are appropriate for everyone.
Q6. What should I wear to Goa festivals?
Ans. If you are attending cultural festivals, you can ditch the modern setup and go with something more ethnic and comfortable. Music festivals like Sunburn are best attended in casual beachwear along with comfortable shoes.
Q7. Are Goa festivals free to attend?
Ans. Free festivals and events include the famous Shigmo and Goa Carnival. On the other hand, the Sunburn and IFFI events charge an entrance fee.
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