KUALA LUMPUR: The iconic San Pedro Festival, a cultural celebration deeply rooted in the Portuguese community of Melaka, is set to be recommended for recognition as National Heritage under the National Heritage Act 2005, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister stated that the ministry, through the National Heritage Department, has taken steps to conserve, preserve and protect the nation’s heritage by recognising the intangible cultural heritage of various communities, including the Portuguese community, under the National Heritage Act 2005.
“The Customary Heritage Expert Committee, which convened on July 3 2025, has acknowledged and carefully considered all supporting documents and justifications submitted for the nomination of the San Pedro Festival as part of the nation’s intangible cultural heritage.
“Following this review, the committee agreed to recommend that the festival be recognised as Heritage under the National Heritage Act 2005.
“The evaluation was based on its cultural value, which is seen as contributing to social unity, heritage protection, and the expression of the Portuguese community’s identity in the country,” said Tiong in a parliamentary written reply in response to a question raised by Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka).
Khoo had asked the ministry to reveal the latest developments regarding the application submitted by Kota Melaka parliament since 2022 to recognise the San Pedro Festival, celebrated by the Portuguese community in Melaka, as a National Heritage Festival.
Tiong said the San Pedro Festival is a cultural celebration of the Portuguese community in Melaka.
“This festival integrates various elements of intangible cultural heritage, including traditional attire, music, dance, food, decorations, language, and performing arts,” said the minister.
To complete this recognition process, Tiong said the next step would be the official gazettment under the National Heritage Act 2005, which would protect the San Pedro Festival according to a designated Protection Plan.
This would elevate the celebration as one of the country’s acknowledged intangible cultural heritages, said Tiong.
The San Pedro festival in Melaka, a vibrant celebration honouring the Portuguese-Eurasian (Kristang) community, brought the Portuguese Settlement to life recently (June 27-30).
Named after Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, the festival showcased Melaka’s diverse cultural heritage and colonial past.
Held annually in late June, this community festival blends religious reverence with lively festivities, reflecting the traditions and spirit of these Portuguese descendants (a Catholic community).
