Feast of St Francis Xavier
3 December each year, after a nine-day novena from 24 November
Francis Xavier, a Jesuit and one of the founders of the Society of Jesus, arrived in Goa in 1542 and died off the coast of China in 1552. His body was brought back to Goa, and since the 17th century it has lain in a silver casket in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Goans call him Goencho Saib, the Lord of Goa.
The feast is preceded by a novena, nine days of prayer that begin on 24 November with masses in Konkani, English and other languages. On 3 December, masses are held from dawn on a large open-air altar beside the Se Cathedral, attended by tens of thousands. A fair of stalls selling sweets, toys and household goods fills the lanes around the churches.
Every ten years or so the saint's body is brought down for a public exposition lasting several weeks; the most recent ran from November 2024 to January 2025. For most travellers, the best plan is to visit Old Goa a day or two before the feast, when the churches are dressed but less crowded.
How to do it well
- Arrive before 7 am on 3 December or visit on 1 or 2 December for a calmer experience.
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, inside the churches.
- Roads around Old Goa close to private cars on the feast day; check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is the Feast of St Francis Xavier?
It is held every year on 3 December, the anniversary of the saint's death. A novena of nine days of prayer runs from 24 November. The main masses take place on an open-air altar in Old Goa from early morning on the feast day.
Can I see the body of St Francis Xavier?
The body rests in a silver casket in the Basilica of Bom Jesus and can be seen there, high above the altar, on any day. It is brought down for a close public exposition only about once a decade; the last ran from November 2024 to January 2025.
Is the Feast of St Francis Xavier crowded?
Very. Tens of thousands of pilgrims attend the masses on 3 December, and roads around Old Goa are closed to private cars. If you want to see the churches dressed for the feast without the crowd, go on 1 or 2 December, early in the morning.
Can non-Catholics attend the feast?
Yes. Visitors of every faith are welcome at the masses and the fair. Dress modestly, keep phones silent during mass and avoid photography at the altar during services. Our guide can explain the liturgy and the history as you go.
Festival journeys
Routes built around the calendar
