Portuguese Settlement
Melaka
The Portuguese Settlement, also known locally as Kampung Portugis or Saint John's Village, is a distinctive neighborhood in Ujong Pasir, Melaka City, Malaysia. It serves as the cultural and residential hub of the Kristang people, a Malaysian ethnic group descended from Portuguese colonists and local Malays dating back to the Portuguese rule of Malacca from 1511 to 1641. Founded in 1926 by French and Portuguese missionaries to support the impoverished Portuguese-Eurasian community, the settlement was strategically located by the sea to accommodate fishermen. Originally established on 28 hectares of swampland, it was designed to house 168 families. The settlement has preserved its unique heritage through its language, cuisine, and annual cultural festivals such as the June Festival featuring the blessing of fishing boats. A notable landmark is the 8-meter tall Christ the Redeemer statue, built in 2017, symbolizing the community's Roman Catholic faith and connection to the Portuguese-speaking world. Despite challenges such as the loss of freehold land status in 1949 and opposition to nearby land reclamation projects threatening their livelihood, the Portuguese Settlement remains a vibrant cultural enclave showcasing a blend of Portuguese and Malay traditions.
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Astuce: Visitors are encouraged to visit during the annual June Festival to experience traditional Kristang culture, including the blessing of fishing boats. It is advisable to check local event schedules and consider weekday visits for a quieter experience. Purchasing tickets or joining guided tours in advance can enhance understanding of the community's heritage. The seaside location means weather can impact visits, so plan accordingly. Discounts may be available for group visits or cultural events.
Faits intéressants
- •The Portuguese Settlement is home to approximately 1,000 residents, primarily from the Kristang ethnic group, with mixed Portuguese and Malay ancestry.
- •The community annually celebrates the June Festival, including the Festa Senjuang and Festival of San Pedro, featuring the blessing of decorated fishing boats.
- •In 2017, an 8-meter tall replica of the Christ the Redeemer statue from Rio de Janeiro was erected at the settlement's entrance.
- •The settlement's land was originally freehold but was re-gazetted as state land in 1949 by the British colonial government.
- •Residents protested in 2018 against the Melaka Gateway project due to concerns over environmental impact on their fishing livelihoods.
Histoire
The Portuguese Settlement was established in 1926 by missionaries Rev J Pier François and Rev A M Coroado to provide housing for the scattered and impoverished Kristang community in Malacca.
The land was purchased in Ujong Pasir to create a fishing village with 168 homes.
Originally granted freehold land status, this was revoked in 1949 by the British colonial government due to legal issues surrounding a nearby convent.
Since then, the community has repeatedly sought to regain freehold status without success.
In recent years, the settlement has faced challenges from the Melaka Gateway land reclamation project, which residents fear threatens their fishing livelihoods and coastal environment.
Guide du lieu
Portuguese Square
The central area of the settlement where cultural events and festivals are held, surrounded by local shops and eateries showcasing Kristang cuisine and crafts.
Christ the Redeemer Statue2017
An 8-meter tall replica of the iconic statue in Rio de Janeiro, erected in 2017 to symbolize the community's Roman Catholic faith and ties to the Portuguese-speaking world.
