Goa is not only about the sun-kissed beaches and nightlife, it is also a land of colourful festivals that reflect the rich culture of this place, along with the joyous spirit of the people here. From amazing music events to colourful cultural fests and mouthwatering food carnival, Goa is known for its unforgettable festive calendar. Whether you are a party lover, a foodie, or someone who is into cultural celebrations, these festivals in Goa promise something special for everyone. Before you visit Goa, it is very important that you have an idea about the top festivals of Goa in 2025, so that you can plan your vacation around these times.
Shigmo festival, March 8, 2025, Saturday
The Shigmo festival is one of the biggest traditional Hindu festivals of Goa. It is celebrated to mark the arrival of spring and is also referred to as Goa’s version of Holi. Streets come alive with colourful parades and traditional Goan folk dancers like Fugdi and Ghode Modni, and floats that show scenes from Hindu mythology. Locals and tourists join in the festivities with joyous music, colour throwing, and amazing Goan food. The festival usually spans over two weeks across various towns in Goa, but the grand float parades are something you shouldn’t miss. The top places where you can witness the celebrations are Panaji, Margao, and Ponda. The Shigmo festival offers a cultural treat for anyone interested in understanding the beautiful cultural heritage of Goa. You can consider Goa rent cars to be a part of this amazing festival if you are travelling from some other part of Goa.
Goa Food and Cultural Festival, April 9 to 13, Wednesday to Sunday
If food is your love language, the Goa Food and Cultural Festival is a must-visit. Scheduled from April 9 to April 13, 2025, this is a five-day event that brings the best of Goan cuisine, music, and culture under a single roof. It usually takes place at the Campal Grounds in Panaji and is organised by the Tourism Department of Goa. From local delicacies to seafood to fusion dishes and street food, your taste buds are surely going in for a treat. Along with food stalls, live music, performances by local bands, dance troops, and art displays give the entire festival a carnival-like atmosphere. It is the ideal opportunity to understand the culinary heritage of Goa while also enjoying the beautiful Goan vibe.
São João Festival, June 24, Tuesday
Celebrated in North Goa, especially in Siolim and the nearby villages, the São João festival is a monsoon festival that is celebrated like no other. It takes place on 24 June every year and it honours St John the Baptist, who is said to have leapt in joy into his mother‘s womb. During this festival, young men jump into ponds, wells and streams after a few sips of the local Feni. Participants wear flower crowns that are known as kopel and sing and dance to beautiful traditional songs. The atmosphere looks festive with colourful boats, live music, and water games adding to the joy. It is a great time to witness Catholic traditions and enjoy the beautiful landscape of Goa during the rains. If you want to be a part of this amazing festival, consider a car rent in Goa that will take you to the right festival spots
Goa International Film Festival, November 20- 28, Thursday to Friday
For lovers of cinema, the Goa International Film Festival, which is also known as the International Film Festival of India, is one of the most important events in Goa. Scheduled from November 20-28, 2025, this festival brings together filmmakers, actors, and cinema lovers from different parts of the world. It is hosted primarily in Panaji, and it features screenings of international films, documentaries, and retrospectives as well as master classes and panel discussions. Whether you love cinema or are just someone who enjoys a good movie, this festival is one of the best opportunities to understand world cinema while also enjoying a coastal setting. It is a great time to spot celebrities and experience the intellectual and artistic side that Goa has to offer.
Sunburn Festival, December 27-29, Saturday to Monday
Ending the year on a high note is the Sunburn Festival, which is Asia’s biggest Electronic Dance Music festival. It is going to take place from December 27 to 29, 2025, and it is usually held in Vagator Beach, North Goa. This festival attracts top DJS and music lovers from different parts of the world. The festival is a huge celebration of music, dance, and energy with beautiful stages, pyrotechnics, food courts, and even shopping zones. If you are someone who is into high-energy parties, Sunburn is your place to be, with thousands of people dancing under the stars. It is one of the unforgettable experiences that will capture the modern party spirit of Goa.
How to get around?
To enjoy this festival at your own pace, you should have flexible travel options. Many visitors prefer to hire car in Goa to explore different towns and festival venues comfortably. For spontaneous plans and day trips to scenic spots between festivals, it is convenient to use self drive vehicles services available at the airport and major places.
Final thoughts
Goa in 2025 is not only about beach vacations, as the calendar is full of exciting festivals. Whether you decide to dance to EDM beats at Sunburn or you want to be a part of tradition during the Shigmo festival, every event will add a beautiful layer to your travel story. Make sure that you are planning your visit around these dates so that you can get the best Goan experience.