Media Release

Doha, Dec 25: MCA Qatar successfully hosted its first-ever Christmas Fiesta on Saturday, December 6 at Ashoka Hall, ICC Campus, Doha. The festive celebration brought together families, children, and community members for an evening filled with joy, culture, creativity, and the true spirit of Christmas.

The programme began with the traditional MCA Geeth, followed by a warm welcome from MCA president Gladson Almeida. The evening was compered by Sandeep Noronha, while the St Cecilia choir uplifted the audience with soulful Christmas carols throughout the program.

Following the welcome note, the emcee invited all the founding members of MCA onto the stage and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable contribution in establishing and nurturing the association. Their names were displayed on the LCD screen in recognition:

Felix & Stefany Lobo

John Harry & Leena Lobo

Arthur & Veena Pais

Jayson & Dorothy Quadros

Wilson & Shalini Mendonca

Clement Saldanha (now settled in Mumbai, India)

Benjamin Reberio (now settled in Mangalore, India)

Late Cyril Gregory Sequeira (CGS), Taccode

MCA felicitated the Konkani-speaking ushers of Our Lady of Rosary Church for their dedicated service. Each usher was honoured with a shawl and memento. The honoured ushers were:

Vivan D’Souza, Jyson Rodrigues, George Santmayor, James Corderio, Menino Franko, Simon Fernandes, Prakash Noronha, Praveen Noronha, Anil Natto, Cyril D’Souza, Wilson Reberio, Savious Crasta, Anthony Vaz, Anil Cutinho, Alan Pinto, Gladson Pinto, Johnson Pinto, Filomena Alves, Philomena Menezes, Peroze Pereira, Loyida Pereira, Oswald Barretto.

One of the major highlights was the Children’s Fancy Dress Competition, held in three age categories (1–3 years, 4–8 years, and 9–12 years), which saw enthusiastic participation and delightful performances by young children.

The judges for the competition were:

Amith Roy Mathias – a well-known actor and performer in Konkani and Tulu theatre, celebrated for his lively stage presence and comic timing.

Vijaya – an accomplished dancer, choreographer, certified zumba instructor, and Gulf Baila Queen 2016, actively involved in cultural activities in Qatar and India.

Sean Colin Fernandes – Joint cultural secretary of the Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), Doha, and a passionate dancer, singer, and choreographer.

Fancy Dress Competition Winners:

1–3 Years: Winner – Namrath Fernandes

First Runner-Up – Janessa Pinto

Second Runner-Up – Theodore D’Souza

4–8 Years: Winner – Sanuel Jayden D’Souza

First Runner-Up – Angelo Luke Veigas

Second Runner-Up – Alden Coutinho

9–12 Years: Winner – Maverick Mascarenhas

First Runner-Up – Rueben Fernandes

The Family Photo Competition winners were Winner: Clement Fernandes and family,

First Runners Up: Shown Fernandes and family

Second Runners Up:

Vivek Mascarenhas and family along with Derel, Ancita, and family.

The reel competition generated strong online engagement, with Jovial D’Souza (Instagram: @crazy_4_love) winning first place with 25,000 views, 485 likes, and 292 shares, followed by Doha Dancing Squad (Instagram: @shown_fernz) in second place.

Creativity continued with the Star Making Competition, where handcrafted, best out of waste Christmas stars were displayed across the venue.

Star Making Competition, judged by:

Avita D’Costa, managing director of Explore Wonder Events, a Qatar-based experiential events company blending creativity, learning, and fun.

Roque D’Souza, a long-term resident of Qatar and a familiar face at MCA programs.

Star Making Competition Winners:

Winner: Rachel Fernandes

First Runners up: Reuel Roshnel and Shaina Gonsalves

Second Runner up: Anitha, Prinia & Princia Lobo, along with Cecilia & Lancy Pinto, as second runners-up.

Adding festive cheer, James Corderio, portraying Santa Claus, delighted children by distributing chocolates to all.

Towards the conclusion of the program, the MCA throwball team and their coach were honoured for securing the first runner-up position at the recently conducted Khelostav Sports Event organized by the Indian Sports Centre, Qatar.

The evening also featured raffle draws for children, with prizes sponsored by Explore Wonder Events, who supported the MCA Christmas Fiesta by spreading creativity and joy.

The Christmas Fiesta also included vendor stalls that added flavour and fun to the celebration:

Ruchik – a cloud kitchen offering catering services and homemade Mangalorean delicacies, including traditional Christmas Khuswar.

BS – Taste of Tradition (Home Flavor) – specializing in homemade sweets such as Motichur Laddu, Organic Jaggery Laddu, Gulab Jamun, Masala Tea, and Bun Maska.

Zarine by Fathima – a DIY stall where children enjoyed learning the art of making their own bracelets.

The MCA Qatar Christmas Fiesta 2025 stood as a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and community, reinforcing the true message of Christmas—love, joy, sharing, and togetherness.