Merry time in Malacca

Merry time in Malacca

MALACCA: Malacca’s month-long celebration to mark its second anniversary inscription as a Unesco World Heritage Site culminated in a colourful grand finale at Kampung Morten here on Saturday evening.

The nostalgic event at the traditional Malay village was graced by Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

The evening got off to a rousing start with both villagers and tourists alike participating in a host of activities including savouring the traditional cuisines offered to guests.

Mohd Khalil who arrived at 9pm, was accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and other state leaders who went for a walkabout to visit the homes and greet villagers.

Aimed at capturing the experience of a traditional village life, the nightly celebration featured several local games such as Batu Sembat, Congkak, Dam Haji, Dam Besar, Sepak Takraw and Capteh, including cultural dances, musical performances and food preparation demonstrations and tasting.

A joint effort by the Malacca government, the Historic City Council, Heritage Department and the local communities, the festival attracted more than 1,000 visitors.

British tourist Mike Grey, 28, said he was impressed with the way leaders and villagers enjoyed themselves and the festival was an eye-opener towards Malacca’s living heritage.

Japanese tourist Miya Tanaka, who was there with her Australian partner Russell Anderson, 34, said they felt lucky to be in Malacca at a time when many events were taking place in conjunction with the celebration.

“We came across the festival by chance when we were strolling and taking pictures along the Malacca River pedestrian walk. The atmosphere is great with everyone celebrating,” said Tanaka, 29, adding they enjoyed nasi lemak the most especially the spicy sambal.

Located along the Malacca River, Kampung Morten was established in the late 1890s and is home to about 100 homes belonging to Javanese descendants who settled in Malacca during the 1400s.

Kampung Morten was declared a heritage village under the state’s Preservation and Conservation Enactment in 1998 with the famous well-preserved Villa Sentosa as one of its main attractions.

-News courtesy of The Star-