Arpora Saturday Night Baazar – Goa

Having just landed after two glorious weeks in the Goan sunshine, it is safe to say that the damp, dreary weather or British springtime as some like to call it, is somewhat killing my post-holiday high. So I thought what better way to combat the dreaded vacay blues than by reminiscing on my travels. And while the majority of my days were filled with mandatory sun worshipping, I of course made time in my terribly busy schedule to indulge in a little retail therapy, Goan style.

The Arpora Saturday Night Baazar or The Saturday Night Market as it is more traditionally known, is as the name suggests an outdoor market – nestled between Baga and Anjuna – that’s held every Saturday night throughout the tourist season and it’s an absolute must see if you ever find yourself in Goa.

As night falls the market is positively buzzing with throngs of people from far and wide, drawn like moths to a flame by the hundreds of fairy lights and magical star lanterns to indulge in the scintillating sights and smells that Arpora has to offer.

Filled with buyers and sellers from around the globe the market is a bustling hive of activity. And once inside it is easy to get lost (figuratively and literally!) among the multi-coloured maze of stalls that make up the incredible space. From linen, ornaments and original artwork to jewellery, spices and ‘herbal highs’, the diversity on offer leaves you spoilt for choice. So whether your wish to indulge, grab a bargain or simply soak up the surroundings there really is something for everyone.

And if stall trawling in the sticky Goan heat gets too much then head to the centre of the market where you’ll find an unbelievable range of some of the best street food from around the globe, then with food in hand sit back and relax in front of the entertainment stage for live performances from an eclectic range of international musicians.

Billed as a travelling hippy paradise you may well choose to avoid this famous Goan attraction but all I can say is don’t. The Saturday Night Market is everything that Goa has to offer, all wrapped up in a magical whirlwind of sights, sounds and smells that you won’t quite find anywhere else in the world. So go on give it a Goa I promise you won’t regret it!

By Jenna Jones