Finishing touches: Theseira adjusting the decorations at the Portuguese settlement in Melaka.
MELAKA: Come rain or shine, the annual Christmas celebrations at the Portuguese settlement here are set to go on and will be even merrier than previous years.
This is the promise made by the residents there and Kampung Attap Christmas’ celebrations joint committee members.
They said the rings of jingle bells would reverberate greater than before at the settlement in Bandar Hilir here.
Martin Theseira, a committee spokesman, said a host of programmes had been lined up to make this Yuletide a memorable one.
He said Christmas would be a lively affair despite the committee being cash-strapped and residents affected by the economic slowdown.
“The spirit of Yuletide will not be dampened and colourful decorations will adorn the settlement just like in previous years.”
Theseira said the settlement would also be the venue for the state-level Christmas celebrations on Dec 31.
“We were told that the state government is allocating RM80,000 for the event, which will further turn the settlement into a Christmas fairyland, ” he said.
Theseira said due to the lack of corporate sponsors, the celebration could not be organised on a grand scale.
“But we will plan a meaningful celebration accordingly with the available funds and resources.”
He expressed hope that Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong would be able to allocate some funds to light up the settlement.
Khoo, he said, was treated to traditional Portuguese dishes when he paid a visit to the settlement on Friday night.
Theseira also commended state executive councillor Datuk Tey Kok Kiew for providing financial support to organise several events for senior citizens and the disabled among the community.
He said the community would also hold prayer sessions on the eve of New Year.
As part of the Christmas celebrations in the settlement, children will also be given toys as Christmas gifts during a special get-together programme.
Portuguese Village Community Management Council head Jacinta Lazaroo said toys worth about RM60 each would be given away.
“We used our own funds to buy these toys. Hopefully, we will be able to organise charity giveaways with the collection through ticket sales during the event.”
~The Star~
No comments:
Post a Comment