MERRY CHRISTMAS..Lopez (left) and Theseira with Santa Claus at Portuguese Square at the Settlement.
MELAKA: The small Portuguese community in Ujong Pasir here has lit up their settlement, creating a Yuletide fairyland atmosphere ahead of Christmas.
Efforts by the community to make Christmas merrier have attracted thousands of visitors - including busloads from Singapore - who attended the lighting ceremony on Saturday (Dec 14) night.
Visitors took pictures in front of the settlement's "Christ the Redeemer" landmark adorned with decorative lights and ornaments.
The settlement's headman, Oliver Lopez, and community activist Martin Theseira were among the local Portuguese leaders present at the ceremony.
Lopez said this year marked the first Kristang-themed beauty pageant and choir during the celebration.
"We wanted to create a traditional Christmas atmosphere and enrich our younger generation with our culture," he said.
Lopez added that the festive season is a time for the community to relive the spirit of sharing and camaraderie.
"It's the right occasion to showcase the nuances of Christmas and preserve our culture," he said.
Theseira credited the success of the grand Yuletide celebration to the Village Development and Security Committee (JPPK) and the contributions of the youth from the settlement.
Earlier, Santa Claus distributed toys and food to the children.
It's customary for settlers to decorate the area weeks before Christmas, showcasing Yuletide decorations to visitors and foreigners who witness the vibrant celebrations on Christmas Eve.
The 11.2-hectare settlement is home to 118 households and is considered the cradle of Christmas celebrations, with approximately 1,200 Catholic residents.
