Remembering the Portuguese

MALACCA: A four-day commemoration themed ‘Our Roots, Our Heritage, Our Home’ organised by the Malacca Portuguese-Eurasian Association (MPEA) from Oct 26 to 29 at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir will mark the 500th anniversary of the Portuguese landing on local shores back in 1511.

A soft launch of the anniversary extravanganza was held at the settlement with MPEA president Micheal Singho presiding at the proceedings. Also present were Ronald Gan, the official representatie of state executive councillor for education youths and sports Datuk Gan Tian Loo, community regedor Peter Gomes and several settlement elders.

The brief ceremony including unfolding of the anniversary official banner concluded with the presentation of a ‘sweet gift’ by MPEA committee member and part time cake maker Sara Sta Maria.

Sweet pose: Micheal (third from right) and invited guests posing with the replica of the Portuguese sailing ship the Flor De La Mar which was made from 134 cup cakes.

A replica of the maiden sailing ship of the Portuguese fleet Flor De La Mar, made from 134 traditional Portuguese cup cakes were presented. The upcoming extravanganza to be held at the Portuguese Square and in-house venues will showcase traditional food fairs, live music and band performances featuring community honed talents, musicians and vocalists. 

There will also be traditional, cultural and performing arts presentations, traditional pastimes and games, beauty and talent contests, a football tournament and handicraft exhibition. An open-air eucharistic celebration thanksgiving service is on Oct 26 at 5.30pm. Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam will officiate at the opening ceremony scheduled for October 28 at 8.30pm. The extravanganza will culminate with a gala dinner and dance on Oct 29 .

Singho said that although a minority group in the country, Portuguese descendants have never been sidelined and were instead recognised by the government as a special minority group. He said “The Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir stands testimony to this. The settlement covering an area of about 11.2has has around 120 homes occupied by about 1,300 members of the community and has all facilities for a comfortable life,” he said.

-thestar online.