Easter Celebration in Goa

Easter is an occasion of significance importance celebrated worldwide by Christians, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This holy week, starting on Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday, is a time for devout believers to reflect, fast, and pray. Owing to the large percent of Christian population in Goa, Easter is observed with great fervor and magnificence. The locals indulge in preparing a variety of exquisite traditional delicacies, including the rich and layered Bebinca, crumbly Bolinhas, and sweet and sticky Dodol. Easter in Goa is a unique and captivating experience, filled with extravagant traditions, magnificent churches, and indulgent experiences.

Goa gearing up for Easter


The celebration of Easter in Goa starts several days before the actual day with the preparation of traditional Easter delicacies by the locals. The Easter Sunday mass service is held in the churches of Goa, decorated with fragrant flowers and shimmering lights. The Sugarcane Breaking ceremony and Cross Feast are unique and captivating Easter traditions celebrated in Goa. These events are accompanied by soul-stirring music and dance performances, culminating in a sumptuous feast.

Goa is the home to some of the most luxurious and ornate churches in India and they play a pivotal role in Easter celebrations. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, situated in the heart of Panaji, is a towering and picturesque edifice that adds to the splendour of Easter celebrations. The Last Supper play is enacted at the Our Lady of Grace Church in South Goa on Thursday, attracting a large number of visitors during the Easter week. Good Friday is celebrated throughout the churches in Goa, including the chapels like Capela De Nossa Senhora da Piedade located in the villages. Midnight mass is conducted on Saturday night with people gathering together on Easter's eve and on Easter Day, feasts are conducted all-round.

view of the immaculate conception church in goa

Feast of Easter


One of the most fun and colourful traditions is the practice of decorating Easter Eggs. While most people are familiar with the traditional method of dyeing eggs, there are many other unique types of Easter Eggs that are worth exploring. One such example is the Cascaron, which is a type of Easter Egg that is commonly found in Latin American countries. Cascarons are essentially hollowed-out eggshells that have been filled with confetti and are often decorated with bright colours and intricate designs. They are typically broken over the heads of friends and family during Easter celebrations, resulting in a fun and festive shower of confetti. During Easter celebrations, hunts are occasionally organised to search for Easter eggs in Goa. 

Easter is a time of joy and celebration, and in Goa, one of the best ways to experience this holiday is through traditional food and exciting adventures. One dish that you simply cannot miss out on is Sorpotel. This beloved Goan Christian recipe is made with a blend of pork liver, heart, and kidney, simmered in a rich and spicy sauce. The origins of this delicious dish can be traced back to Portuguese cuisine, with the original recipe being called Sarabulho. As a traveller in Goa, you must take the time to savour this unique and flavourful dish which is served specially for Easter celebrations in Goa.

Sorpotel, a traditional Goan Christian dish in a mud pot

Easter celebration in Goa is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. From savouring the delicious local cuisine to visiting various historically significant churches, there is no shortage of fun activities to enjoy during this holiday. So, get ready to celebrate your Easter in Goa, 2023. And if you're looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay during your time in Goa, look no further than our Azaya Beach Resort. Located right on the coast of the beautiful Benaulim beach, our Resort offers luxurious rooms with stunning views, top-notch amenities, and exceptional dining options. So why not book your Easter getaway at Azaya Beach Resort to enjoy the authentic Goan experience and make memories that will last a lifetime? If you want a detailed itinerary, read our blog on 3 Day Trip to Explore South Goa to plan your journey.