MALACCA, MALAYSIA: A decorated float procession from A'Famosa in Bandar Hilir to the Portuguese Settlement and street dancing are some of the highlights of this year's Festa San Pedro (Feast of St Peter).

The week-long celebration of tradition and culture by the Portuguese community in the historical city opens with Festa San Juang (Feast of St John) on June 23, and is combined with the opening of Festa San Pedro on June 27.

During this period, the usually tranquil streets of the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir would come alive in a celebration which attracts visitors and locals alike.

The festivities include traditional dancing, singing Kristang songs, boat decorating contests and feasting.

During Festa San Juang, which is sometimes referred to as the Festival of Lights, homes throughout the settlement are decorated with lights and candles, while residents dress in green to symbolise purity and innocence.

Festa San Pedro, the Feast of Fishermen as St Peter is also the patron saint of fishermen, involves a solemn procession led by a statue of St Peter, which is borne on each decorated boat.

The boats are then blessed by a priest to ensure safe passage for the Portuguese fishermen and a good catch in the upcoming year.

Portuguese Settlement headman, Peter Gomes, said the back-to-back festivals were fervently celebrated in Portuguese communities around the world.

Such events were a unique combination of revelry, community spirit and religious significance.

"The settlement is tightly knit and retains age-old traditions, rituals, practices and lifestyle. With the highest concentration of Portuguese in Malaysia, Malacca is the only place in the country where visitors can see and feel the spirit of the celebrations," he said.

The settlement has 118 homes and flats nearby house another 40 families. There are about 3,000 Portuguese descendants in Malacca.

Festival organising committee chairman Micheal Banerji said an estimated 8,000 visitors were expected at this year's festivities.

The events during the seven-day celebration start from 10am until midnight on weekends and begin at 2pm on weekdays.

However, Banerji said more funding was needed to enhance the activities and provide more cultural shows.

He appealed to the state and Federal government to contribute to the festivals as it was a one-of-a-kind celebration in Malaysia and a tourist attraction.