The Museum of Christian Art (MoCA), Old Goa, marked International Museum Day 2026 with a vibrant three-day celebration titled May for Music, Mango, Museum and Mario, bringing together music, heritage, and community engagement.
The celebrations commenced on 16th May with Echoes of May, a live musical evening held in the museum courtyard. Featuring the Three Tale Trio—Daniella Rodrigues (vocals and saxophone), Jason Quadros (keyboards), and Jeshurun D’Cruz (drums), the performance offered a rich blend of jazz, pop, and timeless classics. Highlights of the evening included an enchanting keyboard rendition of River Flows in You, a lively sing-along to Sussegado Goa by Oscar Castellino, a soulful saxophone segment, and a moving performance of What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. The event saw enthusiastic participation and set a positive tone for the days ahead.
On 17th May, MoCA, in collaboration with The Goan Kitchen, hosted Mangoes of Goa: A Tasting Experience in the mango orchards of the Royal Chapel of St. Anthony. The intimate gathering of participants was facilitated by mango enthusiasts Revati Victor and Charles Victor. The session introduced guests to the history, etymology, cultivation, and cultural significance of Goa’s mango varieties. Participants were guided through a curated tasting of heritage mangoes such as Mankurad, Mussorad, Xavier, Fernand, Bishop, Hilario and more. The diversity of flavours, from the fibrous sweetness of Mussorad to the distinctive aftertaste of Bishop, offered a deeper appreciation of Goa’s agricultural heritage
The International Museum Day celebrations continued on 18th May with free entry, inviting visitors to wander through the museum and rediscover its treasures at their own pace. Young minds explored creativity at Flora Marks: Museum Impressions, a hands-on workshop inspired by nature and art, while curious visitors joined Discover MoCA, a free guided walkthrough of the museum’s highlights. As the day drew to a close, the legacy of Mario Miranda was celebrated with a special screening of ‘The World of Mario…Seriously Funny!’, a tribute to Goa’s most iconic artist, in collaboration with Doordarshan, Goa, drawing diverse audiences and reinforcing the museum’s role as a dynamic cultural space in Goa.
Together, these events reinforced MoCA’s role as a dynamic cultural space, fostering meaningful connections through art, heritage, and shared experiences. Through efforts like these, MoCA continues to strengthen its presence as a lively centre for cultural exchange in Goa.
