Come one, come all! Goa is hosting the magnificent International Lusophone Festival to commemorate its rich Portuguese lineage and culture. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in partnership with the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Goa government are organising the festival in Goa and you must check it out. 

The International Lusophone Festival was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Goa, at spectacular Durbar Hall in Raj Bhavan.

Gear up cognoscente and people alike, for this festival is going to one hell of an experience. Over 70 artists from Portuguese speaking counties will be visiting to perform at several venues in Goa, namely, ESG complex, Azad Maidan, Sanskruti bhavan, Institute Menezes Braganza among others. For audiophiles, workshops on Lusophone music will be organised too. In addition, the Lusophone Food and Spirits Festival will also showcase the culinary links between India and the Lusophone world.

Intriguingly, the event will also host round table discussions around the topics “India’s Outreach to the Global South – Exploring Convergence with CPLP" and "India-Lusophone Historical and Cultural Linkages: Retrospect and Prospects", which will further explore not only India’s existing and historical Lusophone connect, but also the way forward for future engagement.

India joined Community of Portuguese Language Countries (Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa) as an associate observer in July 2021. As part of this engagement, the Ministry of External Affairs celebrated the World Portuguese Language Day in Delhi on May 5, 2022. 

Goa has historical links with the Lusophone world. Collaboration with CPLP has deepened Goa’s economic, cultural co-operation and people-to-people ties with the Portuguese speaking countries. The festival will also showcase historical records, unique Goan architecture, Goan handicrafts and Goan furniture inspired by the Indo-European culture.