Intrudu, A fun splashing time

Come and release your inner child!

The Intrudu is celebrated by Portuguese people worldwide and it marks the last day of enjoyment before the start of Lent.

Here in Melaka, Malaysia, this tradition is observed after the Portuguese conquered Melaka in 1511.

What does Intrudu means?

The word is originated from an old Portuguese dialect “Cristao” which means “introduction” or “coming before”.

The splashing and fun during the festival

This traditional celebration is observed on the Sunday preceding Ash Wednesday (the starting of the forty-day Lenten period before Easter, a time of prayer and fasting to remember Christ’s death).

It is a Portuguese festival to mark the beginning of self-mortification, prayer, fasting, penance and abstinence from merry-making prior to Lent which comprises Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

This centuries-old celebration is unique to the 1,200 strong Portuguese-Eurasian community here as it is the only Catholic village that performs the fun-filled water rite prior to the start of the Catholic fasting period of Lent.

This water-dousing rite used to be organized among the Portuguese families to symbolize purification before the start of fasting and penance. Nowadays, it has become a long awaited event by those living outside the Portueguese Settlement. All of us would eagerly join the fun.

Aside from that, the act of splashing water on one another potrays the importance of water (they were seafaring people) to the community. This tradition reminds them of the time where fishing was the prime livelihood of their forefathers.

The Intrudu Celebration

The SPLASHING starts as early of 9.00a.m in the morning until 12.00 noon. If you want to join the fun, just head towards the Portuguese Settlement in Melaka. Please bear in mind that, this is THE DAY when you (the residents in this village) have the license to throw water at everyone who dares to walk in the Portuguese Settlement.

When I say everyone, I mean EVERYONE, the elderly, children, reporter, tourist and even aliens if they dare to step into the Portuguese Settlement! However, if you throw water at the elderly or tourists, you will have to offer them a cup of wine from their bottle. This is to show them that although you are having fun splashing water at the elderly, you still show them your respect.

Oh, do remember to bring along your water splashing gadget as you need to be prepared for the WATER WAR. Believe me, you won't want to come unprepared.....

In the evening, a football match between the community’s married men and bachelors was held at the settlement field. For the first timer visitors; don’t be surprised when you see men wearing women costumes playing football as it is a fancy dress football match.

Ehmm… these men or WOWmen will turn up wearing dresses, skirts, high heels, make-up, holding handbags and some even with bras and flashing their pink G-string during the football match! Therefore, you won’t want to miss this funny fancy football match.

Where to Stay?

There is a hotel called Hotel Lisbon which is located within the Portuguese Settlement. If you would like to save time and don’t want to get stuck in the traffic, this hotel would be just nice. However, if you do not want to participate in this event, please don’t book your stay there during this festival. Check Lisbon Hotel Rate">Click here to check out about this hotel.

Gentle Reminder: Please put your cameras, hand phone and other important documents in a plastic bag before you step into the Portuguese Settlement during the Intrudu Festival. This is to avoid them from becoming WET!