Local Portuguese community holds steadfast to San Juan traditional rituals and practices

1 Despite a steady night breeze prevailing, children enthusiastically carried on lighting candles.2 Fr. Gregory Chan lighting the wicker torch before community youths on motorcycles transfer flames to candles placed at homes.3 A resident lighting up candles in her house porch.

MALACCA: Each passing year during the latter part of June, the Portuguese-Eurasian Catholic homes at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir, Kampong Banda Hilir and Praya Lane off Jalan Banda Hilir and even community members’ homes outside these confines, have little white candles lit on verandahs, fences, balconies and front porches just as twilight sets in.

These mini-shimmering flames and other related practices herald the commemoration of Festa San Juan (the feast of St. John the Baptist) celebrated with much religious fervour, reverence and tradition at the Portuguese Settlement on June 23.