About Sao Joao

São João

00 days

Viva Sao Joao
Feliz São João

123 wishes · 2 languages · 2 photo designs · Updated October 2026

About Sao Joao

Sao Joao is the feast of St John the Baptist, kept in Goa on 24 June. It falls in the heart of the monsoon, when wells, ponds and streams are full again, and it is one of the most joyful days of the Goan year.

The feast recalls the story of John leaping with joy in his mother's womb when Mary came to visit. So on Sao Joao young men jump into wells, ponds and streams with a loud cry of "Viva Sao Joao". They wear kopels, crowns made of leaves, flowers and fruits of the season.

Bands play, groups go from house to house singing, and families share fruits of the monsoon such as jackfruit, mangoes and pineapples. A newly married son-in-law is often welcomed by his wife's family with a basket of fruits and sweets for his first Sao Joao.

In Siolim, boats and rafts called sangodds float on the river with music and decorations. Villages across Bardez and Salcete hold their own celebrations, and Goans abroad mark the day with music and food.

How people celebrate Sao Joao

Jumping into wells, ponds and streams
Kopels: crowns of leaves, flowers and fruits
"Viva Sao Joao" cries and music bands
Boat and raft parade in Siolim
Baskets of monsoon fruits for a new son-in-law
Jackfruit, mangoes, pineapples and Goan sweets

How to wish well

"Viva Sao Joao" is the classic cheer, and it works for everyone.
Wishes about rain, full wells, fruits and kopels feel true to the day.
Sao Joao is a happy feast, so playful and funny wishes are welcome among friends.
For a newly married couple, a wish for their first Sao Joao together is a lovely touch.

Questions about Sao Joao

When is Sao Joao?

Sao Joao is on 24 June every year, the feast of the birth of St John the Baptist.

Why do people jump into wells on Sao Joao?

It recalls how John leapt with joy before he was born, when Mary visited his mother Elizabeth. The jump into full monsoon wells is a sign of that joy.

What is a kopel?

A kopel is a crown made of leaves, flowers and fruits of the season, worn on Sao Joao.

What is the Sao Joao boat festival?

In Siolim, decorated boats and rafts called sangodds float on the river with music, as part of the Sao Joao celebrations.

What do you say on Sao Joao?

Say "Viva Sao Joao". In Portuguese, "Feliz Sao Joao".

Where is Sao Joao celebrated?

Mainly in Goa, especially in the villages of Bardez and Salcete, and by Goan families around the world.