MELAKA – All lit up, the historic Portuguese settlement here is lined with large crowds celebrating Christmas with joy and hope for better times after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted festivities over the past three years.
Christmas is one of the most anticipated festivals of the year for the community in the Unesco-listed heritage site of Melaka.
Festive well-wishers and worshippers from elsewhere also flock to the enclave to participate in the fervour. Welcoming one and all in the generous spirit of the season has been a custom for the local community since the time of their ancestors centuries ago.
The traditional celebrations have made the Portuguese settlement a popular tourist attraction for people who come to experience Christmas in true Malaysian fashion.
While local villagers celebrate in tandem with Christians around the world in commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, non-Christians also converge here to soak in the convivial and colourful atmosphere.
During a visit to the enclave on Christmas Eve yesterday, all the houses in the neighbourhood were seen to be decked out in cheerful lights and Christmas trees to express the residents’ happiness in welcoming the special day.
The residents embellished their houses with various decorations and also lit up their potted plants beautifully, contributing to the picturesque setting for visitors to take photos and videos.
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in the heart of the heritage enclave was also a sight to behold with its crowd of austere worshippers, music, and hymns.
A visitor from Seremban, who wished to be known as Henry, told The Vibes that he had come to visit his sister’s house here to celebrate Christmas with family and friends after two years of being away during Christmas.
“I feel so happy and excited this year, as I can meet up with all the family members and friends after a long time,” he said.
“This Christmas is something special, as it brought us all together to celebrate.”
He also said that they have spent quite a bit on decorations, as they celebrate Christmas only once a year, and the decorations help bring mirth and cheerfulness.
A married couple, who identified themselves as Jun Jie and Mei from Kuala Lumpur, said that they had come to Melaka for vacation, mainly to see the Christmas celebrations here.
“The last few years we missed coming here because of the pandemic. So this year, we are here to witness the Christmas celebrations and enjoy our vacation.”
“(This site is) my favourite choice to visit, as the place is often so lively with Christmas celebrations,” said Mei.
Some of the residents also took the opportunity to operate small businesses by selling LED decorations, balloons, flowers, and drinks for visitors in front of their homes.
Zilla from Johor Baru said she was here to sell her handmade LED flower crowns, as she could earn well during the festive season.
“It has been two days since I was here selling my handicrafts, and I got a good response from visitors here,” she said.
Some people also said they enjoyed visiting the decorated houses and felt content to spend Christmas Eve here.
Others also celebrated Christmas with firecrackers and shared some beautiful moments with family. – The Vibes, December 25, 2022
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