Melbourne, June 8 (Indian Abroad Newsdesk)
Bringing a slice of Goa to Melbourne, the Goan Overseas Association of Victoria (GOAV) celebrated the traditional Goan “jump in the well” – São João festival in true Pool Party style on June 8, 2025, at the Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre in Glen Waverley.
In a vibrant and joyful first for the city, the festival was reimagined for Melbourne’s multicultural community, blending warm water workouts, wave pool splashes, floral fashion, and lively games. The event captured the essence of São João — a monsoon-time celebration marked by songs, dance, and symbolic jumps into wells back in Goa — while adapting it for a modern Aussie setting.
The aquatic festivities were matched by colourful traditional attire, music, and a strong sense of community spirit and cultural pride. Attendees young and old joined in the fun, creating memories that echoed both tradition and innovation.
In a cheerful Facebook post, GOAV shared: “Thank you to everyone who brought the energy, the colour, and the joy. Here’s to keeping our traditions alive – with a splash of fun!”
The event marks a growing effort by GOAV to preserve and promote Goan heritage in Australia while making it accessible and exciting for younger generations. With such a warm response to this inaugural Pool São João celebration, GOAV has added a new chapter to Melbourne’s vibrant multicultural calendar.