Picture a holiday in Goa, and Fontainhas in Panjim, fondly known as the Latin Quarter of Goa, emerges as a timeless daydream brimming with vibrant streets, colourful facades and vivid homes splashing European vibes with bright coloured hues like blue, yellow and red. Here, amidst the narrow lanes and swoon-worthy buildings boasting a strong Portuguese influence, you will find yourself entranced by the rich legacy of Portuguese rule in the architecture and the names of the streets where you can see traces of the Portuguese influences. For instance, Rua 31 de Janeiro, a street in Fontainhas, is named after the day Portugal gained independence from Spain on January 31st. Every house colour here is connected to the professions: white houses belong to people who work in chapels and hospitals, red houses for the army personnel, yellow for the government officials, and blue and green are the modern age houses.
As the dawn breaks over this picturesque setting, you will encounter glimpses of everyday Goan life—from neighbours exchanging greetings on their doorsteps to the rhythmic strains of traditional Goan music drifting through the air, chimes of the church bells and some waking up to the ringing sound of the Poder who delivers freshly baked Goan bread in bicycles. However, this sense of ease and serenity subsides and gets disrupted as the day unfolds, overshadowed by the influx of tourists eager to explore the neighbourhood's rich heritage and capture it for their gram.
While Fontainhas is a visual treat, it's also important for tourists to understand that it's not just a picturesque backdrop for travellers to fill their camera rolls but a thriving residential area. Behind every colourful façade lies a home where people live, work, and go about their daily lives. As we explore this charming neighbourhood and admire its architectural wonders, remember to be respectful and roam responsibly, honouring the legacy and livelihoods of those who call Fontainhas their "home."
Check out the five essential etiquettes to be followed while you explore Fontainhas, Goa.
Keeping the old-world vibes intact and preserving the heritage of Fontainhas in Goa is not just a duty but a collective responsibility that adds to the beauty of the bygone era. As tourists and custodians of this heritage, we hold the key to its preservation. From the iconic rooster atop homes that are a national symbol of Portugal to the stoic soldiers mounted on the façades which represent those houses belonged to the freedom fighters, to the Oyster shell windows, beautiful balconies to grand stairways like the peacock and rainbow stairways to more, every detail here holds historical significances.
Visitors need to respect these symbols by refraining from damaging or disrupting them and passing them on carefully to future generations to cherish. Avoid littering, touching, or vandalising the intricate carvings, cultural artefacts, and tile work that adorn the buildings, as they are irreplaceable pieces of Goa's cultural heritage and are also disrespectful to the community that calls Fontainhas their abode.
Fontainhas is known for its peaceful ambience and tranquil streets. As tourists explore the beauty of the vibrant streets and are eager to capture the captivating houses, being mindful of noise levels is very important. Remember the narrow streets and closely-packed houses amplify sound, disturbing their peace and daily routines. So, keep your noise levels to a minimum while taking pictures or just causally strolling through the streets and avoid creating disturbances that may disrupt the neighbourhood's serenity. Refrain from loud conversations and music, especially in the evenings and late at night when the locals are resting. Excessive noise can intrude upon their homes and affect their sleep, concentration and overall quality of life.
In today's digital age, social media has become an obsession. Capturing photographs in Fontainhas is a delightful way to preserve memories. However, it's crucial to do so responsibly and follow this as an essential tourist etiquette. First and foremost, seek consent from the individuals involved before photographing people or private properties in Fontainhas. Be careful of mindful framing, avoid intrusive angles affecting their privacy, watch out for no photography signage boards, and respect boundaries. Don't peep into their windows or doors or disturb them at wee hours just to fill your gallery. Don't lean on the walls; don't make it dirty by placing your shoes on them while posing as they try to get it painted once a year.
In addition, the etiquette also includes avoiding flying drones. While drones may offer appealing aerial views of the Fontainhas, they can intrude upon the privacy of the residents and pose safety concerns. So, respect the local regulations and avoid using drones to ensure a harmonious experience for everyone. While many locals are proud of their heritage and happy to share stories, it's essential to ask first, explain your intentions respectfully, and then fill your camera rolls. We all can have beautiful-looking social media pictures without creating a nuisance to the locals.
As travellers, embracing environmental responsibility becomes not just a choice but an essential etiquette. Preserving the architectural wonder and pristine beauty of the streets begins with conscientious waste management. By keeping the area clean, not littering on the streets, which will help maintain Fontainhas's aesthetic appeal, minimising the usage of plastics, disposing of waste properly in the designated bins, and more, visitors can play a significant role in maintaining Fontainhas's environmental integrity.
Furthermore, responsible transportation choices also help maintain the area's sanity. Opting for eco-friendly modes of travel, such as walking and cycling through the colourful streets, reduces carbon emissions and minimises the environmental footprint of exploring this quaint neighbourhood. If you are using your vehicles, use the designated parking spots and don't randomly park on the streets.
One of the best ways to experience the true essence of Fontainhas as travellers is to support local businesses and initiatives prioritising sustainability. By patronising local businesses and artisans, travellers not only contribute to the economic vitality of the neighbourhood but also help protect its natural environment. Whether dining at family-run eateries, enjoying a meal at a restaurant that sources ingredients locally, purchasing handmade crafts from artisans who use eco-friendly materials, or staying in locally-owned guesthouses, every purchase makes a difference. Tourists can contribute to the economic sustainability of the neighbourhood.
Start your day by visiting the famous St. Sebastian Chapel and Immaculate Conception Church, which stands for the iconic landmarks of Goa. Feast on the sight of ponders selling freshly baked Goan bread on bicycles and enjoy some bread. Wander through the colourful lanes, check out the iconic post office, and shop some gorgeous hand-painted Azulejo tiles at "Velha Goa Galeria", where the raw materials for these tiles are directly imported from Portugal. Relish some Goan delicacies like Vindaloo, Xacuti, Fish Curry and rice at a local eatery and wash it down with refreshing feni cocktails from the "Joseph Bar" or "For The Record – Vinyl Bar". Learn to make feni cocktails at this local bar named "Miski Bar" and enjoy some baked delicacies like Chicken/Veg Patties, Goan Pork Sausage Rolls and traditional Goan desserts like the Portuguese Style Custard Tart, Bebinca, Coconut Macaroons, Plum Cake and more at Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro, Panaji, Goa and just watch the world go by.