Why Goans Jump Into Wells Every June: The São João Festival’s Joyful Tribute to Monsoon

All pictures by Beauty of Goa| Instagram

By Srimoyee Chowdhury 26 June 2025

Every June 24, Goa lights up its monsoon with São João — a lively festival celebrating Saint John the Baptist’s birth and the first rains after the dry season.

São João honours the Biblical story of John the Baptist leaping with joy before Jesus was born. Goans now leap into wells, ponds, and streams — singing “Viva São João!”

On festival day, both young and old wear kopels: crowns of fresh flowers, leaves, and fruits gathered from the early monsoon flora.

Revellers flock to local water bodies like wells, rivers, and ponds to jump for joy. It’s a unique Goan ritual symbolising renewal—seen nowhere else in the world.

The festival blends devotion with festivity. Saint Peter parishioners host boat parades called Sangodds on rivers, decorated with palms and flowers, creating a floating celebration.

As water leaps fill wells, music fills the air. Local percussion instruments like Ghumot set the rhythm of the day—singing, dancing, and festive unity.

São João’s roots go back to Portuguese days. Today, Goans pray for a good monsoon, welcome newlyweds or new sons-in-law, and share food and flowers across communities.

São João is more than a celebration—it’s a dance of rain, roots, culture and community. It brings together faith and festivity in a joyful welcome to Goa’s monsoon.