MELAKA: It was a joyous and colourful Christmas celebration at the country’s only Portuguese village. An occasion made brighter with the presence of the eight-metre Christ the Redeemer statue here.
The statue, which was earlier raised up by residents to enliven the Christmas celebration, was supposed to be demolished.
However, in the spirit of the season and as the statue is a significant part of the people’s annual celebration here, the local council has allowed for the statue to stay, until New Year’s Day, at least.
As it was the eve of Christmas, throngs of visitors from around the country and abroad visited the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir.
Some made their way to the settlement, as early as 3pm, to witness the colourful and elaborate Christmas decorations and lights, which the residents have put up.
A visitor from Kuala Lumpur N. Deepa, 33, who came with her boyfriend, M. Abhinash, 36, said she was drawn to visit the settlement upon hearing about the festivity.
“We have only been here for 15 minutes and we have seen so many lovely decorations put up by the residents.
“We have been to Melaka before but not the Portuguese Settlement. So we decided to come after hearing great things about the decorations, the lightings and the food served here.
“We are impressed by the lively atmosphere. This is truly different from what we see in Kuala Lumpur,” she said.
The couple, who was seen taking pictures at the Christ the Redeemer statue added that they were saddened to learn about its relocation next year.
“Thankfully, the statue will not be demolished but we do think that this is a strategic location and there is no need for it to be relocated,” they said.
As for another family of four, it is an annual affair for the last three years, to be visiting the Portuguese Settlement during Christmas.
Pang Wee Wee, 41, an interior designer said she always look forward to taking pictures of the Christmas celebrations with her husband, Choon Kian Ming, 41, and their children Choon Yi, 6, and Choon Heng, 2.
“We first came to take pictures here when my son was just a baby and my daughter was just three years old.
“There is always a different theme every year. I love to take pictures with my family and keep them as memories so that we can revisit them in the future,” she said.
For villager Brian Danker, 43, this year’s Christmas atmosphere was less lively compared to previous years, but it was better this year for him and his family with the construction of the Christ the Redeemer replica.
“I have been very involved in the construction of the statue from the beginning. The statue means a lot to us. At the moment, the statue is not fully decorated but painted with a fresh coat of waterproof paint because we are worried that we must relocate it next year.
“I hope that the statue does not have to be relocated so that we can go ahead with the groundwork and landscaping,” said Brian.
Since afternoon, the Portuguese community at the settlement were seen busy preparing food and getting ready Christmas before they head out for a Christmas Eve midnight mass.
Hotel chef Darryl Abraham Hendricks, 26 said he looked forward to Christmas as he enjoyed preparing authentic Portuguese food for the family.
“Every year, we will have the usual menu of Portuguese baked fish, turkey, curry debel, sebak and pie. This is the time where my siblings and I get together before we go and visit our relatives tomorrow,” he said.
Portuguese Settlement’s village and security committee (JKKK) chairman Richard Hendricks said this year’s Christmas was made meaningful with the statue as it carries a significant meaning and symbolises human salvation.
The idea to have the statue was mooted by the Portuguese community in August with a proposal submitted to Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) in September.
However, construction work began before MBMB gave its approval, resulting in a stop work and demolition orders issued by the local council.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron called for the local authorities to find an amicable solution to address the issue without hurting the feelings of the Portuguese community.
He ordered the local council to allow the statue to be enjoyed for Christmas and later relocated to better site after the New Year.