The sun-kissed state known for its beaches, trance music and vibrant nightlife now hums with timeless melodies. Candlelight in Goa is hosting captivating classical tributes to musical legends like Queen, ABBA, A. R. Rahman and Coldplay, at an unlikely venue in Candolim, Aguad Port and Jail Complex right on the rocks at Sinquierim. Once a sentinel of colonial history, this 17th-century military fort has found new rhythm under the flicker of thousands of candles.
Aguad Port and Jail Complex: a 17th-century fort turned cultural hub
Perched on the edge of Sinquerim in North Goa, Aguad is no ordinary venue. The restored complex, which offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, was once called ‘La Fortaleza Real de Aguad’ (Royal Fort Aguada) in Portuguese-era Goa. It comprised a fortress equipped with a gunpowder room, Asia’s oldest lighthouse, the largest Portuguese port for trade with Lisbon, and a rainwater harvesting reservoir. This strategically positioned place was converted into a prison in the 20th century for Goa’s freedom fighters, guarding stories of rebellion and resilience.
A new chapter has arrived as Aguad Port and Jail Complex now blends history with art, becoming one of Goa’s top cultural destinations. The site’s open-air courtyards and weathered bastions make it an evocative space for immersive concerts that celebrate the world’s greatest artists.
Candlelight at Aguad Port and Jail Complex
As dusk approaches, the evening makes way to the magical Candlelight concerts at Aguad, bringing the venue alive with glowing warmth. These piano tributes are reimagining timeless melodies like A. R. Rahman’s “Ek Ho Gaye Hum Aur Tum” from Bombay, Queen’s iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” and even Coldplay’s uplifting anthems.
These performances are taking place inside the complex at 18:30 or 20:30, with doors opening 30 minutes before the start of the show. If you’re in Goa looking to be swept away by something truly special, arrive early and lose yourself in the warm glow of Candlelight!