Bong Natal: Melaka’s Portuguese Settlement Glows With Christmas Heritage

By Shanika Abdullatib

MELAKA, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- More than five centuries after Portuguese sailors first arrived on Melaka’s shores, the spirit of Christmas continues to shine brightly at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir, where tradition, faith and community remain deeply intertwined.

For the more than 1,500 residents of the Portuguese community, Christmas is not merely a religious observance but a living expression of cultural identity, carefully preserved and passed down through generations.

Once again, the greeting Bong Natal kung Bong Anu Nubu, meaning Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Melaka’s Portuguese creole, echoes through narrow lanes lined with colourfully decorated homes, each reflecting a heritage rooted in the 16th century.

For long-time resident Sara Friderica Santa Maria, 56, the village’s Christmas celebrations stand out for their strong communal spirit, as families and neighbours come together to transform the settlement into a festive spectacle, setting it apart from celebrations elsewhere that are usually observed individually or in smaller groups.

“Every year the joy doubles, especially on Christmas Eve, when family members from near and far return home. Traditional dishes like devil curry, Portuguese tarts, sasagon, pickled chillies and seaweed jelly are a must,” she told Bernama.

Decorations, she said, depend on each family’s means, but heirlooms remain central, with a Christmas tree more than 15 years old, along with figurines and ornaments handed down through generations, taking centre stage.

The village’s festive flair, spread across about 200 households, is also a draw for visitors, with residents engaging in good-natured rivalry through creative outdoor displays.

Among the most distinctive features is the traditional lalerlaler, with crushed seashells scattered along yards and pathways to symbolise snowfall, a nod to both Christmas imagery and the community’s seafaring ancestry.

“Each house has its own unique touch,” said Sara, a part-time teacher of the Kristang language and a second-generation villager.

She added that the community also receives support from the Melaka Historic City Council, particularly for decorative lighting around the iconic statue at the entrance to the village.

For her daughter-in-law and newcomer, Benchwen Chuakasikam, 33, from Thailand, experiencing Christmas at the Portuguese Settlement has been unforgettable.

“This is my first Christmas here, and I’m very excited for Christmas Eve. Seeing the preparations and decorations at every house since early December is something I’ve never experienced before,” she said.

-- BERNAMA