GOANS IN MOCAMBIQUE.
Mozambique was a colony of Portugal which got its independence in 1975. Mozambique capital was known as Lourenco Marques but currently it is named as Maputo. Lourenco Marques then was known as holiday spot and one of the top touristic destinations in that part of the world. In Goa this name was very popular because many of the Goans who migrated to Mozambique settled down in Lourenco Marques and thus this beautiful place gained prominence among Goans so much so that even one beautiful song was composed and rendered in Goa if I am not mistaken, by Joaozinho (Band Leader of the then topmost Johnsons and his Jolly Boys) from Siolim. Johnson was the top Theatrist during those good old days and also a top foot-baller.
Wherever Goans went for greener pastures they first organised themselves in groups and named these groups after their Villages or Patron Saints or as Goa or as Goan Associations. Similarly in Mozambique several associations were formed and after its independence, in 1975, they all disappeared. After the independence, and for decades, no official Goan association was formed. However, recently, in 2019, on the 8th of January the first legally an official association was formed known as - ‘’ANDAGOA” - and it is recognized by the Mozambican Government. ANDAGOA means Associacao Mocambicana dos Naturais, Descendentes e Amigos de Goa, Damao e Diu.
The main aims of this association is to disseminate and preserve the Goan culture, language and traditions through its members and community where it is located. ANDAGOA also aims to help the local community in their needs in diverse fields. This association is already linked with the Indian High Commission in Mozambique and the goal is to increase day by day its rapport with the Indian Mission.
Last year on 16th June ANDAGOA organized a big event depicting Goan cultural programme and Goan Cousine (Photos shown above). This event was attended by over 200 attendees comprising Goans, descendants, friends, who all appreciated the gastronomy, the songs and the dances. I myself was surprised when I watched the video of this event how beautifully the Goans from Mocambique under ANDAGOA joined together to organize this great event which was attended by over 200 attendees from different nationalities and not from the Goan community alone. The Non-Goans who attended this event were highly pleased to see the different cultural items performed such as Goan Mandos and Dulpods, Dekhni etc. The cultural part included a musical theater which explained how the Goans first arrived in Mozambique, how they were received and the interchange of cultures which resulted from the bond created by the Goans and the locals. The Goan Cousine was impressive and tasty which impressed the guests. The event was a splendid occasion where Goan Mandos and Dulpods were eulogized and Goan language Konkani glorified, thanks to the excellent efforts made by all the members who worked so hard to make this event the most successful.
According to me, I feel this Association must create a link between itself and other Goan associations spread all over the world so that more and more contacts are created among the Goans in Mocambique and Goans in Goa and Goans elsewhere. I understand that there is lot of liking for our Tiatros and songs in Mocambique among Goans though young generation is not too hungry for the same but still they long to see on the Stage in front their eyes Lorna singing best of her songs. "
A.Veronica Fernandes.