Melaka's San Pedro festival celebrates identity, culture and fishing heritage

The highlight of the San Pedro festival in Melaka was the blessing of the fishing boats, adorned with religious icons, flags and flowers, seeking Saint Peter’s protection for a bountiful catch. Photos: AFP/Mohd Rasfan

The San Pedro festival in Melaka, a vibrant celebration honouring the Portuguese-Eurasian (Kristang) community, brought the Portuguese Settlement to life recently (June 27-30).

Named after Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, the festival showcased Melaka’s diverse cultural heritage and colonial past.