Malacca, Monday June 25, 2007: The Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir here was a scene of dancing, singing and feasting amidst dim candles and brightly decorated fishing boats, as the Festa San Pedro kicked off on Saturday night.
The festive air was filled with laughter, music and banter of the hundreds of visitors who thronged to the settlement for the launch.
They came to have a taste of the local food and watch the colourful cultural dances.
This year’s theme for the festival honouring St Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, is “My Community, My Country.”
Unlike in previous years, the usual week-long celebration has been extended to eight days, from June 23 to 30.
More cultural activities have been lined up including appearances by Cantar Caravalles, a Portuguese cultural troupe from Singapore, and a youth cultural group from Timor Leste.
Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, whose speech was read out by Deputy Tourism, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Chua Peng Siong, said the festivities were significant considering the settlement was the only traditional Portuguese village in the country, in which its people continue to practice centuries-old traditions and customs.
“The festival offers a colourful glimpse into the lives of the Portuguese community and over the years, Festa San Pedro has grown to be a popular tourist event for both Malacca and the nation.”
Mohd Ali said RM350,000 would be spent under the Ninth Malaysia Plan on projects for the settlement, including upgrading the drainage system and the football field. “This excludes the proposed plans to build a new RM2mil rest and recreation centre which will house the temporary restaurants located at the present car park. All these will help to enhance the settlement’s status as an international tourist destination in the near future.” (The Star / Malásia)
The festive air was filled with laughter, music and banter of the hundreds of visitors who thronged to the settlement for the launch.
They came to have a taste of the local food and watch the colourful cultural dances.
This year’s theme for the festival honouring St Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, is “My Community, My Country.”
Unlike in previous years, the usual week-long celebration has been extended to eight days, from June 23 to 30.
More cultural activities have been lined up including appearances by Cantar Caravalles, a Portuguese cultural troupe from Singapore, and a youth cultural group from Timor Leste.
Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, whose speech was read out by Deputy Tourism, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Chua Peng Siong, said the festivities were significant considering the settlement was the only traditional Portuguese village in the country, in which its people continue to practice centuries-old traditions and customs.
“The festival offers a colourful glimpse into the lives of the Portuguese community and over the years, Festa San Pedro has grown to be a popular tourist event for both Malacca and the nation.”
Mohd Ali said RM350,000 would be spent under the Ninth Malaysia Plan on projects for the settlement, including upgrading the drainage system and the football field. “This excludes the proposed plans to build a new RM2mil rest and recreation centre which will house the temporary restaurants located at the present car park. All these will help to enhance the settlement’s status as an international tourist destination in the near future.” (The Star / Malásia)
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