Fish and rice are the staple Goan food and the main occupation is tourism – over a million people visit the beaches of Goa each year. Goa combines old Portuguese architecture, and a distinct Portuguese flavour to the lifestyle, with a history that abounds with Indian mythology. Christmas, New Year, the Mardi Gras-like carnival, the Holi (Shimgo) parades, all add to the year round festivities. Thousands of people gather to view the body of St. Francis Xavier once every five years at the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Portuguese, Gomantak and other cuisines have all blended into the local cuisine and sorpotals, bebincas washed down with cashew fenis are a must with every visitor
