Lenten Period

The Portuguese introduced Christianity in goa and with it the various traditions and customs. The Lenten season in Goa during the past was observed piously and with solemnity. The rules and precepts laid down by the church were followed religiously one of which included abstinence of meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays in lent. There were days of fasting which included Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

In Goa there is the observance of the Santos Passes (holy Passion of Jesus Enacted) at all the Parishes and even some chapels. This is usually on a Sunday.

Every Friday during the lent people assemble in the church or chapel to participate in the Stations of the Cross in front of each framed portrait of such scene on the walls so as to relieve the seven stages of the passion of Christ. These rituals practices of Lenten Pageants or Tableaux with their processions are unique to Goa.The larger than life statues of Christ are usually the property of the confraternities of the respective church.