PACKAGE: Down South 1511

Malacca Fiestas – Living Traditions

Malacca celebrates some of the grandest living traditions in Malaysia. Here are some of the "must see" traditions that definitely worth the time to experience...

GOOD FRIDAY - It is a religious day for Catholics to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ during the Holy Week. At St.Peter's Church, built during the 18th century, Catholics and non-Catholics from all over the world stream into St.Peter's from as early as 6am. 

The Chapel of Senhor Morto which has a mosaic background depicting the crucified Lord contains a casket-like structure made out of wood and glass and lies there is a life-size statue of the dead Christ. In the late evening of Good Friday, a massive procession is held with Christ being carried on a wooden bier.

San Juan Feast - Known also as Feast of St.John the Baptist, it is celebrated by the Portuguese community on 23 June every year. Mini flames that look like "Little White Lights" are seen on the verandas, fences and balconies at the Portuguese Settlement.   

After service at the Portuguese settlement, a small bonfire is set at the settlement and some members of the community will light up their wicker torches and walk to all the homes within the settlement lighting up white candles. This feast is celebrated to commemorate St.John the Baptist leading the way to evangelisation prior to Christ’s coming during the pagan times. Back during 1950s and 60s, the Portuguese community wore green to represent the community’s rejuvenation, purity and innocence.

San Pedro Feast – Celebrated by the Portuguese community usually between 23 to 29 June every year, this traditional festival is celebrated for more than four centuries in honour of St.Peter, the patron saint of fisherman. During this celebration, expect to watch some entertaining folk dances and local band performances. If lucky, one could also enjoy a mock-up Portuguese wedding and be apart in a disappearing activity called the “Langgai” pushing competition. Also in line for the celebration will be food stalls showcasing authentic Eurasian cuisines.    

Also an event known as “Gensay Barco” which traditionally held in Lisbon will take place here in Malacca blessing the fishing boats.

Datuk Chachar Festival – A week long festival held during late April or early May annually, it is a festival where devotees fulfilled their vows after their wishes are granted. It is held at the Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple which is famous among locals to seek treatment for Chicken Pox, Herpes and Shingles. Prior to festival, devotees must go through a cleansing ritual consisting of fasting, abstaining from meat, performing prayers and chanting. This festival shares similarity with Thaipusam however the Datuk Chachar Festival is only celebrated in Malacca.

Intrudu – It is celebrated by Portuguese all over the world to mark the last day of enjoyment before the start of Lent season. Intrudu is held on the Sunday preceding Ash Wednesday which starts a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and penance. It is a water splashing fun-filled day in the Portuguese Settlement to symbolize purification before the start of Lent. Also the act of splashing water on one another reminds the Portuguese community the importance of water and was the livelihood of their forefathers. A practise one should take note is that should anyone splash water to an elderly, he/she must offer a glass of wine to show respect.

Anyone and everyone can join in and the celebration starts from 9am to 12 noon...Be prepared for WAR...!!!

In the evening, a football match will take place between the community’s married men and bachelors with a twist. Here players will be in women’s clothes with matching handbags, heels and even G-strings!!...

Cost per person starts from  RM 619…!!!

Package Includes

Ø  2 nights’ accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Malacca with daily breakfast

Ø  Daily Transfers from hotel to event venue

Ø  One half day city food trail tour with lunch at local restuarant

Package Excludes

Ø  International / domestic air-tickets

Ø  Meals and any beverages unless stated

Ø  Other incidental charges

Payment

Ø  Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of full payment for the package

Ø  Bookings are allocated on a ‘first come first served' basis and subjected to availability.

Cancellation Policy

Ø  To be advised at the time of booking

Terms & Conditions

Ø  Check-in time for ALL Hotels is 15:00hrs and check-out time is 12:00hrs. Any charges incurred for early check-in or late check-out will be borne by the participants.

Ø  Currently there is no Value Added Tax or GST in Malaysia at the time of the preparation of this proposal. Rates will be reviewed to incorporate the impact of GST when it is implemented. Details of GST are to be advised by the Malaysian Government.