Portuguese Settlement

History actually mentions that there were three main reasons why the Portuguese invaded this land back in the 1511 and this is because of Spices and Wealth, to Conquer the land of the Orient, and to manage the land of the Orient in the name of Columbus's voyage. During back in the 16th century of the world, every nation wanted to conquer the world and they fought their lives for their King unlike us living in the 21st Century.

After many years of conquering the land of the Orient, the armadas of the Portuguese left Malacca but not all of their men left. Some of them remained back here because they had their lives begin here when they married locals and started their own family. Families which remained at Malacca are such as De Souza, De Costa, Fernandes, Gomes, Nunis, Pinto, Santa Maria and a few more. They inhabited closely to each other after their armada's left Malacca and as years when by they made their village such as at Prylane or also know as Kampung Tengah. Now it is demolished due to the government's civilization plans. However, the Portuguese Settlement which is located at Ujong Pasir approximately 15 minutes drive away from Bandaraya Melaka is actually a land given by the priest to the Portuguese descendants. Locals call it in Kristang " Padri Se Chang " which translates to English, The land of the Priest. It still exist until this present day.

Most Kristangs ( Portuguese in Malacca are called by this name ) were fishermen back then and this caused most of the Kristangs to look tanned. Due to mix marriages with locals such as with the Malays and Nyonya Baba's, features of the Kristangs faded off and they look nothing like the actual Portuguese now. They are oftentimes mistaken for a Malay or Indian but when they speak,by  the accent you would recognize their identity. The culture of the fellow Kristangs are full of eating, dancing and drinking. Even our traditional costume is so colourful and joyful. It is mostly red in colour but there are also various other colours. Folk Kristang songs also are often sang during festive seasons and many songs were made in Malacca.  Watch the video to see the cultural dance and also the costume. Enjoy !