Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Procession Of All Saints

The Procession of All Saints starts every year in the month of March from the Church of St Andrew in Old Goa. Goa is the only place outside Rome where such a procession is held. The procession attracts thousands of people from neighbouring villages around Goa Velha.

Local devotees carry lifesize statues of 31 saints on their shoulders on the fifth Monday of Lent and circulate it in a solemn procession around the whole village. Although a religious procession, a gaiety atmosphere can be seen in the evening because the main road is lined up with stalls selling snacks, sweets, and toys etc.