The frivolous atmosphere in Goa may make it seem like this beach region is basically one endless festival. But in fact, there are a lot of special events and festivals, many of which are Christian-related due to the influence of the Portuguese Catholics, something rather unique to the rest of India.

Reis Magos Church Feast Day: dedicated to Gasper, Melchior and Baltazar, this particular church has one of the more interesting Feast Days, and is worth checking out if you want a classic Christian religious celebration.

Rantha Saptami: the Mallikarujuna Temple in Goa’s capital Panaji is the site for this intriguing Hindu festival which honours the presiding deity of the city.

Mardi Gras Carnival: Goa’s most famous and raucous celebration is their Carnival, which rivals that of any in the world. Massive parades with floats and costumed performers march through the city, with dancing and music balls each evening. Hotels will be fully booked during this period, so make your room reservation well in advance, and be prepared for noise, partying and good times.

Shigmotsav: rivalling the spirit of Carnival, the streets of Panjim burst into life each March in this massive celebration marking the arrival of spring. This is Goa’s version of Holi, so visitors can witness hundreds of villagers in their colourful traditional clothing marching through town, singing, dancing and having a good time.

Ramnavani: this popular Hindu festival is best experience in Partagal district, where colourful processions and religious rituals create a spectacle worth checking out for its cultural value.

Festival of Saint John: in this interesting Christian festival, youths burn effigies of St John to represent his baptism and therefore the death of sin. Symbolic as a renewal event, revellers party hard knowing that all will be forgiven at the end of the festival. This event is particularly fun in the coastal towns of Terekol and Arambol.

Mirg: marking the start of the monsoon season, this is an interesting mingling of religions, cultural traditions and ancient agricultural rituals. Everyone prays to their respective gods for rain, followed by feasts for the saints and the Hindu gods.

Ganesh Chaturthi: not only is this the birthday celebration of the elephant god Ganesh, but also a harvest festival when most Goans return home for a family reunion.

Bonderam: something like a blend between Hindu and Christian traditions, this unique spectacle starts with the first harvest of the rice, followed by a Feast Mass and colourful processions leaning more in the Hindu direction. Bonderam is a good example of the way Hinduism and Christianity has mixed well in Goa.

Janmashtami: this popular Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Krishna with a ritual bath in the Mandovi river followed by a number of fun cultural performances at the temples around Goa.

Dussahra: over the nine days of this party, the life of Rama is celebrated, honoured and remembered through performances from his life by the local children. Effigies of the god are burned in massive bonfires, and music and dance features prominently at venues around Goa.

Diwali: the five-day Hindu wonder known as the Festival of Lights is one of the highlights of any visit to Goa during this festival. Every house, building and boat lights up after dark with charming oil lanterns creating a really magical ambience. Fireworks, bonfires and the exchange of gifts between friends mark this important Indian holiday.

Food and Cultural Festival: Miramar beach is the site of this 5-day extravaganza focusing on the cuisine and culture of Goa. In addition to plenty of amazing food, visitors are treated to cultural performances, competitions and fireworks displays.

Christmas: even though India is predominantly a Hindu culture, there is so much Christianity in Goa that Christmas is quite an event in this town. The churches come alive with special programmes and like in the rest of the Christian world, gifts and warm feelings are exchanged.