Goa gears up for the season of love

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, markets across Goa are filled with colour and excitement. From vibrant flower stalls and gift shops to home bakers and restaurants, the state is fully embracing the season of love. Whether it’s romantic dinners, thoughtful gifts, or simply celebrating bonds of affection, Goans are finding new ways to make the day special.

Red roses dominate markets

For florists, Valentine’s Day continues to be one of the busiest times of the year. Gurudas Shirodkar, owner of Unnati Flowers, has witnessed evolving trends over the last three decades.

“Sales increase by over 200 per cent during the Valentine’s Day season. Earlier, it was mostly college students buying flowers for their girlfriends or husbands surprising their wives. Now, even young children come in to buy roses for their parents,” he added.

Florists say that while red roses remain the undisputed favourite, preferences are gradually diversifying. People are now experimenting with yellow and pink roses as well.

Gifts beyond the traditional

Gift shops, too, are buzzing with activity as shoppers search for meaningful presents. Sunil, who runs a gift store in Margao, says consumer preferences are slowly shifting.

“We’ve stocked up on teddies, heart-shaped mugs, Stanley cups and other items. While soft toys are still popular with college students, many customers now prefer practical gifts like ceramic mugs, mug sets and Stanley bottles.”

Prices for these items typically range between Rs 300 and Rs 1,000, making them accessible yet thoughtful options.

Adding a unique twist to gifting is a collaboration between Ninoshka Alvares-Delaney and Orson Dias, who have introduced sustainable soft toys.

“Valentine’s Day is about love, so why not extend that love to the environment? Our soft toys have a sustainable makeover, and we’ve already received a significant number of pre-orders,” says Ninoshka.

Bento cakes gain popularity

For those with a sweet tooth, Valentine’s Day often calls for cake. This year, however, smaller portions are stealing the spotlight.

Home baker Milosha Falcao highlights the rising demand for bento cakes. “These are 250-gram cakes, perfect for two people,” she says. “Many customers love the idea of a smaller cake that avoids wastage while still feeling special,” she adds.

Love is in the air

Some married couples also look forward to the day.

Lenora Anne Macedo from Mapusa is already looking forward to the day, thanks to plans made by her husband, Nixon John D’Souza. “Why can’t Valentine’s Day be every day?” she laughs, adding, “There’s so much excitement around it. We’re planning a few surprises and even trying a photo puzzle together.”

Love meets carnival fever

This year, Valentine’s Day celebrations in Goa carry an added dose of excitement, coinciding with the much-awaited Carnival festivities. Many residents and visitors are planning a blend of revelry and romance.

Lenora Macedo, a Carnival enthusiast, says the parade remains non-negotiable. “I’ve never missed the Panaji Carnival, and this year is no different. Carnival is the priority, followed by Valentine’s Day plans.”

For working professionals like Disha Naik, who is based in Bangalore, the timing is perfect. “Since it’s a holiday, I’m flying down for the carnival and will club it with V-Day,” she says.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”