Culture of Goan Catholics

Xacuti (pronounced [shakuti]) is dish originally from Goa prepared with either mutton, beef, pork or chicken.

Vegetable-based dishes like Khatkhate (a vegetable stew), Tondak (beans combined with cashew nuts) and Caldo verde (a soup) are also popular.

Sweets like Bebinca, Dodol, Tizann, Godshem, Patoleo, Cocada, Goiabada, Maçapão (cashew nut marzipan), Arroz doce, Fios de ovos, etc.

Consoada (Kuswar) is a term used to describe a set of sweets which are distributed to family, friends and neighbors by members of the Goan Catholic community during Christmas.

Portuguese names, having variants in both Roman Konkani and English, like Miguel (Michael) and Madalena (Magdalene) are common among Goan Catholics.

[6] Portuguese is still spoken as a first language by a number of Goans, though it is mainly restricted to upper-class Catholic families and the older generation.

The women at a typical Goan Catholic wedding generally wear gowns/dresses while the men (including the bridegroom) are attired in western-style suits.

Ballroom dancing and live western-style band music are an integral part of a Goan Catholic wedding reception.

[17] The Zagor (nocturnal vigil in Konkani), mainly celebrated in Siolim, in Bardez taluka of Goa is a festival highlighted by dance, drama and music.