Portuguese Settlement, Melaka

The Portuguese Settlement, also known as Saint John's Village (Aldeia de São João in Portuguese, Kampung Saint John in Malay), is situated in Ujong Pasir, Malacca. It serves as the residence for the Kristang people, an ethnic group with mixed Portuguese and Malay ancestry, whose roots trace back to the period of Portuguese dominance in Malacca during the 16th to 17th centuries.

In 1933, an area of 11 hectares in Malacca was acquired to establish a refuge for the dispersed Kristang community. The marshy terrain was cleared, and 10 traditional wooden houses with earthen floors and attap roofs were constructed. Originally known as Saint John's village, this humble fishing settlement swiftly attracted Kristang settlers from various parts of Malacca, evolving into one of the city's prominent tourist destinations and enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.

Similar to Portuguese-speaking communities worldwide, the Portuguese Settlement hosts an annual "June festival," commencing with the Festa de São João (Feast of Saint John) on June 23 and concluding with the Festa de São Pedro (Feast of Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen) on June 29. Drawing around 100,000 visitors from Malaysia and beyond, the festival features Kristang folk music, vibrant dancers adorned in traditional attire performing to the beat of branyu music, and a significant ceremony where local fishermen's boats, embellished for the occasion, are blessed to ensure a prosperous catch.