Keep on reading if you want to know more about Melaka Festivals....
Malaysia is the country fame for its multicultural celebrations. “Hari Raya Aidil Fitri“, Chinese New Year, Christmas and Deepavali (Festival of the Lights) are welcomed and celebrated by Malaysian. All these festivals are celebrated in the grandest way in Melaka and throughout the country. Therefore, these four main festivals are marked as “Top Malaysia and Melaka Festivals“.
The days when the festivals are celebrated are declared public holidays! The synonym terms with the festive season will be the “Open House“. It’s a concept where virtually anyone can drop by to say their greetings and have a hearty chat before they head for home.
Opss, did I forget mentioning the part where varieties of food, cakes, cookies and drinks are served?
Are you intrigued to know the type of food served? Rendang, Ketupat, Dodol, Lemang and cookies will be served during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Cakes like Pineapple Tarts, Love Letters cookies; Mandarin Oranges, Kuih Bakul and Dodol will be served during Chinese New Year.
Deepawali will be the sweetest festival of all as other than the “normal cookies“, some REALLY SWEET traditional cakes and cookies are served. If Curry Deval and the local Portuguese Cuisines are to your liking, don’t forget to visit your friends at the Portuguese Settlement for Christmas celebration.
31st August is the special hallmark of celebration for all Malaysians. It’s the “Merdeka Day“ or Independence Day of our beloved country. Floating parades with cultural shows and the display of beautiful fireworks are the main attractions. The people of Melaka celebrate “Melaka Historic Day“ which is on 15th April and “The Malacca Governor’s Birthday“ yearly.
Now, there also the celebration of "Melaka as World Heritage Site" on 7th July. This celebration will be a week long celebration with interesting cultural performances. Do come over and join the Melaka festivals celebration.
Religious celebrations like the Birthday of Prophet Mohammad and Hari Raya Korban are greeted and celebrated by the Muslims whereas “Good Friday“ or “Easter“ is celebrated by the Christians. Each year, thousands converge and throng at St. Peter’s Church in Melaka. They come from all over the country, as far as Singapore, Australia and even U.K. Don’t be surprised that even the non Christian also pay tribute during Good Friday.
The Buddhist will celebrate “Wesak Day“ to mark the day Lord Buddha achieved his enlightenment. Chanting and floating parades with the respective temples deities will be organized by “Sek Kheh Eenh Buddhist Temple“ in Gajah Berang every year. You can see floats of the glimmering deities along the road on the eve of Wesak Day!
The Indian community usher “Thaipusam“ by offering prayers to Lord Murugan. Later, “Lord Murugan“ statue is placed on a chariot and pulled by a pair of bulls. Accompanied by the devotees, they will head to Sri Subramaniar Temple at Batu Berendam. Another festival celebrated by the Indian community is Pesta Datuk Chachar.
For more than four centuries, “The San Pedro Festival“ is celebrated by the Portuguese at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir. It is to honour the patron Saint of fisherman, St. Peter and to seek blessing for the fisherman and their boats so that they will be able to get good fortune.
City Turtle hopes that you would come and join the Melaka Festivals. See you around.....
