The Portuguese Eurasian community in Malaysia celebrates the Feast of St.
Peter, or Fiesta San Pedro. No where else in the country is this celebration
on a grander scale than in Malacca. It is held annually from June 27-30.
This festival, commemorating the feast day of St.Peter, patron saint of
fishermen, attracts tourists and locals alike. The celebration centers
around the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir, Malacca.
Days prior to the grand occasion, the Portuguese Eurasians prepare for the
festival. The usually quiet seafront village buzzes with activity as last
minute preparations turn the Settlement into a carnival ground of sorts.
Even the most modest of houses are given a facelift; a new coat of paint or
simply a change of curtains. Colourful pennats and bulbs of various colours
add to the festive air of the Settlement, particularl the Portuguese Square.
Although it has been more than 300 years since the last Portuguese flag
flew over port of Malacca, visitors to the settlement during this festival
will be amazed by the rich legacy the Portuguese hav left behind. Intermarriages between the Portuguese and the locals have resulted in a fascinating and unique community that still observe and cherish the traditions of their European lineage.
Mostly Roman Catholics, the Portuguese Eurasian community at the Settlement
are proficient in Malay and English. What makes them different from the
present Portuguese is that many also speak Cristao, a medieval dialect once
spoken in Southern Portugal, which has become archaic in the home country but
which is still alive in Malacca. Although they celebrate many festivals
throughout the year, the three-day Fiesta San Pedro is the most grandly
celebrated.
Although the emphasis in the Fiesta San Pedro has always been on fishermen and their prayers for a good catch, commercialism in the form of games, food and
drinks stalls have become a feature of the celebrations. Religious aspects
aside, the Fiesta San Pedro is a three day period of fun and revelry for the
Portuguese community. Stalls offering a sumputuous spread of seafood such as
prawns, cockles and mussles prepared in their spiciest best in authentic
Portuguese recipes Of course, there's the famous Portuguese speciality -
Devil's Curry, an infernally hot and spicy chicken curry.
The Fiesta San Pedro is also one of the best times to observe a facet of
the Portuguese Eurasian culture. for this is the time when local culture
troupes show off their colourful folk dances like the 'Farrapeira', 'Bateh
Payu', 'Oh Mallao' and the 'Unda Roda' to the accompaniment of the rich music
from folk guitars, harmonicas, the tambourines - the three musical instruments
musicians of the community are very good at, apart from their singing. Pretty
Portuguese damsels dressed in black and red peasant dresses and red scarves
around their heads, and men in frilly silk shirts and boleros with red sashes
around their waists dance to the lively music and songs. Visitors also are
invited to join in the dance of the 'branyo', locally known as a type of joget,
or community dance. Adding to the fun and music, a fun fair with games stalls
are also available fo those who wish to try their luck and skills.
The first two days of celebration precedes the final day which is the climax to the Fiesta. It is the day when the boat-blessing ceremony is held. After an
early morning service at St. Peter's Church, a priest and his retinue of servers
troop over to the seafront. A flotilla of fishing boats propped upright and
gaily decorated with colourful buntings, streamers and tinsels await the
religious procession. The boat owners stand proudly beside their boats as the
priest blesses the boats. There is a contest for the best decorated boats
selected by a panel of judges. So if you're in Malacca during this time,
join in the festive spirit of the Fiesta San Pedro.