Report on Festa de São João
The campus of St. Xavier's Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, came alive with colour,
music, and tradition as the Co-curricular Committee organized a series of competitions to celebrate
the Feast of St. John the Baptist through the vibrant Festa de São João
festivities on 27th June 2026. The celebrations witnessed enthusiastic
participation from students across all streams, highlighting Goa's rich cultural heritage while
promoting creativity, teamwork, and environmental awareness.
The celebrations began with the Interclass Dhali Presentation Competition, in which
33 groups, comprising two students each, showcased beautifully decorated
dhalis filled with creatively arranged fruits and traditional elements associated with the
festival. The impressive displays reflected both artistic excellence and respect for tradition.
The judges commended the participants for their originality and found it challenging to select the winners.
The winners were:
- First Place: XII Commerce D
- Second Place: XII Science A
- Third Place: XI Vocational T&T
The Interclass Kopel Making Competition, held in the Physics Laboratory,
witnessed participation from all 33 classes. Students crafted traditional
kopels using only natural flowers, fruits, and leaves, producing vibrant creations
that reflected imagination, craftsmanship, and eco-friendly values. The entries were judged
on creativity, uniqueness, complexity, neatness, and overall presentation.
The winners were:
- First Place: XI Vocational T&T
- Second Place: XI Commerce B
- Third Place: XII Commerce D
A major highlight of the celebrations was the
Traditional Konkani Group Singing Competition, in which five groups represented
the Arts, Commerce, Vocational, Science A, B & C, and Science D & E streams.
The programme commenced with a colourful parade featuring the Kopel Making participants,
followed by students proudly displaying their beautifully decorated dhalis.
The festive procession added charm and excitement to the celebrations before the musical
performances began.
Each group presented melodious Konkani songs centred on the life and message of
St. John the Baptist, enthralling the audience with harmonious singing and
traditional melodies. The performances were judged on musical quality, coordination,
presentation, and overall impact.
The winners of the singing competition were:
- First Place: XI & XII Commerce
- Second Place: XI & XII Science A, B & C
- Third Place: XI & XII Science D & E
The celebrations concluded with the prize distribution ceremony and a group photograph
of the winners. The event successfully blended faith, culture, and creativity, while providing
students with opportunities to showcase their talents and strengthen the spirit of unity and community.