Quiz Nights Emerge as Goa's New Social Entertainment Trend
After a demanding day at the workplace, relaxing with your closest companions is widely regarded as therapeutic. What superior method exists to decompress than visiting a restaurant while simultaneously earning rewards for correctly answering trivia questions? Residents of Goa are gradually yet steadily embracing quiz nights, which occur two to three times each month across various dining establishments.
A Fresh Form of Entertainment
Discovering novel concepts to maintain momentum and attract patrons is a primary objective for restaurateurs. "This represents a distinct category of entertainment that differs slightly from alternatives like stand-up comedy evenings or improv nights. Although it remains relatively new in Goa, it is rapidly gaining popularity," explains Alroy Fernandes, who has been organizing quiz nights since 2021.
He further elaborates, "When I initiated this venture, there was only a single location where I conducted the events. Presently, numerous restaurants are opening their doors to host quiz nights." Sullivan Noronha, a quiz master from North Goa, confirms that an increasing number of restaurants are prepared to accommodate these gatherings.
"Quiz nights are becoming increasingly popular among local residents, and they draw substantial crowds since they are scheduled on specific days. The complexity level also fluctuates, but these quizzes are not akin to intensely serious quiz competitions," states Sullivan.
Fostering Community and Friendship
Sandra Fernandes and her group of female friends participated in a quiz night, where they did not win the round but ultimately experienced immense enjoyment. "We desired to engage in an activity different from merely dining at a restaurant. Consequently, a friend proposed attending a quiz night, and we proceeded. It was genuinely remarkable. Initially, we anticipated it might be challenging and we could potentially fail. However, it concluded as an immensely enjoyable occasion," recounts Sandra.
Siddharth Prabhu, who secured a bottle of wine as a prize, was delighted to win an award that he intends to share with several new acquaintances made during the dinner quiz night. "Our team was victorious while others were not, so instead of solely claiming the prize, we elected to distribute the bottle of wine. In the process, we established new friendships," said Siddharth. The nature of prizes varies depending on the restaurant—some provide special offers, others distribute merchandise, and some even award bottles of wine.
Extensive Research Required
The questions featured at quiz nights encompass a broad spectrum of topics, including geography, pop culture, music, mythology, Bollywood, and numerous other subjects. "I must dedicate several hours to formulating the questions, and we cannot reuse identical questions for subsequent quiz nights. In fact, there are many regular attendees who participate. This necessitates that I conduct thorough research and ensure the answers are accurate," explains Sullivan.
The expansion of quiz nights in Goa signifies a shift toward interactive social entertainment that combines intellectual stimulation with communal bonding, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional restaurant visits.
