The Heritage First Festival returns for its second edition with 41 walks and workshops scheduled to be held across the state over 3 weeks. Organised by non-profit organisation Heritage First Goa (HFG) the events will be held from November 15 to December 7, 2025 to help preserve and popularise Goa’s distinctive heritage.
November 29
Reimagining Maps Workshop – Olaulim
Join in for an engaging workshop on the art and science of mapping, where you’ll explore cartography through interactive and collaborative map-making with ecologist, mapmaker, conservationist Rhea Lopez. Engage in conversations about the significance of maps and learn how they shape our understanding of landscapes. Build a multi-species map of Goa’s river heritage, to understand the value that rivers hold to the lives that depend on it.
Time: 8 am
Location: Olaulim
Horizontal Walk – Campal
Take a walk through Kala Academy, Goa’s first true statement of modernist architecture, designed by Charles Correa in the 1970s. Set along the Mandovi River, this was more than a cultural center, its designs broke from colonial and vernacular styles, introducing open courtyards, shaded terraces and climate-sensitive planning. Learn how Kala Academy became the architectural cornerstone of a new cultural identity, offering space to the city for performance, learning and exchange, with architect conservationist Lester Silveira and Edgar De Mello
Time: 4pm
Location: Kala Academy
November 30
River Island Walk – São Jacinto
Hike across São Jacinto Island, explore a natural fresh water spring and climb to the historic Capela de São Domingos, with its underground tunnel with freelance researcher and human rights activist Cyril A. Fernandes. Visit the Portuguese-era lighthouse, offering stunning views of the Zuari River and observe the natural breeding habitat of the windowpane oysters.
Time: 8 am
Location: Sao Jacinto
Lake trek – Chimbel
Walk through a hillside forest leading to a centuries-old Toyaar Lake with mud architect, environmentalist, educator Tallulah DSilva. Once the lifeline that supplied water to Panjim city, this hidden reservoir now rests quietly amid lush greenery. Discover the history, ecology and timeless beauty of this tranquil space, a reminder of how nature once sustained the rhythms of everyday Goan life.
Time: 4 pm
Location: Chimbel
December 2
Village Saunter – Saligão
Dive deep into stories of migration that have contributed to the unique and harmonious social fabric of Saligao with geologist, artist, heritage storyteller, Rachana Pednekar. Explore the scenic landscape, interact with locals to soak in the distinct spirit of Saligao’s village life and visit the breathtaking Mae De Deus Church, a rare specimen of Neo-Gothic architecture in Goa and end the walk with high tea
hosted by a local family at their heritage house
Time: 4 pm
Location: Saligao
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