Goa is quite popular among the tourists from all parts of the world not only for its sun-kissed beaches but also for the friendly people and delicious seafood. The people of Goa are highly religious and hence there are a number of temples and religious places across Goa. Equally revered are the religious festivals of Goa among which Festa dos Reis finds a prominent place.

The stone chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Reis is a famous church where the devotees gather to offer prayers of thanksgiving to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception-a lighthouse of faith and valor to its people. During the festival of Festa dos Reis, high mass is offered on the day of Epiphany and it is a time marked by celebration and revelry. All the year round the hill remains unvisited and it is the day of the festival that the entire place is thronged by hordes of religious people and the hill springs to life and activity. The Goan festival Festa dos Reis is celebrated with zest and passion by the local people and remains one of the most alluring ones among the various fairs & festivals of Goa. If you are on your holidays in Goa while the festival is on, then you must make it a point to be a part of this festival. You will find the kettledrums and the blare of trumpets indicate to the quiet little neighboring villages that the day of joy and festivity is high. Church bells toll and beckon the faithful to prayer and visit the shrine in a non-stop stream.

The whole of Goa is drenched in a festive spirit. The festive spirit reaches its climax on January 6 which is the day of the feast of Magi. Three small boys are chosen as kings ranging from 8 to 10 years in age from the adjacent villages of Quelim, Cansaulim and Arrosim to bring their gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense to the Child-God. The people from various parts near the chapel congregate here to catch a glimpse of the three kings.

Festa dos Reis is also marked by the extensive fair that takes place here and many shops come up such as of meal to copper and brassware, furniture, clothes, toys, trinkets, sweetmeats, glass bangles and spices of all types. The shop freaks can make for some of the memorable buys from here. The excitement level reaches its pinnacle when the kings saddled on the white horses make their appearance. They are dressed in the royal attire which is elaborately embellished in gold and silver, a crown studded with sparkling stones on their heads, and a whole march of relatives, friends and followers bringing up the rear. To add to the excitement further, each procession is accompanied by a brass band playing as loud as it can thus throwing challenge to the two other rivals.

All the three kings get down from their white steeds, and are somberly led to the special seats of honor reserved for them to assist at the High Mass. The people dressed in multicolored attire further add to the spirit and charm of the occasion. This festival is a must watch for the tourists among the various festivals of Goa.

Touristplacesinindia.com is the authentic source of information on Festa dos Reis and also offers useful piece of information on the Beaches of Goa.

Tourist Map of Goa