Gana Prakash
This year’s Eurasian Heritage Fiesta promises good fun, delicious food, and fantastic music as it returns from a two-year hiatus.
The event will take place at St Xavier’s Institution in Farquhar Street from 2 pm to midnight this Saturday.
Penang Eurasian Association (PEA) organises this event yearly to celebrate the community’s remarkable history and culinary and musical culture.
“We are excited to come back and have a good time with everyone,” said Penang Eurasian Association president Dato Aloysius Gasper in an interview today.
Post pandemic fiesta
In 2019, PEA organised a six-month-long fiesta. The event was held to mark the association’s 100th anniversary.
However, in 2020 all activities came to a grinding halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We only managed to distribute groceries during the Movement Control Order period.
Furthermore, when the government began relaxing the SOP, PEA organised a children’s party and a Christmas dinner in 2021 said Gasper.
“This year will be great, and people are excited to come back to celebrate with us.
Nevertheless, everyone must adhere to the Covid-19 health and safety protocols as we don’t want to create another cluster, said Gasper.
Penang State Exco for Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning, Jagdeep Singh Deo, will officiate the event.
“The state government is very supportive of the event as it will also attract tourists to Penang.
2022 Eurasian Heritage Fiesta highlights
The Fiesta will see a wide array of stalls promoting local Eurasian delicacies at the St Xavier’s Institution.
Visitors can taste traditional and authentic recipes such as the famous devil curry and other Eurasian delights.
However, the event’s highlight is the Sugee Cake competition.
The recipes which have been handed down from generation to generation will be put to the test.
Besides the cake competition, visitors can also try their luck by participating in the lucky draw.
Meanwhile, the music lovers will have a chance to catch live entertainment featuring prominent singers and young musicians from 3 pm at the Karpal Singh Hall.
Starbucks will have a truck to do promotions and give away vouchers, while Kenny Rogers and Krispy Kremes will have stalls, said Gasper.
The 2022 fiesta will be the first event organised by a young committee headed by PEA Secretary Penny Theseira.
Traditionally, the Fiesta is celebrated on August 15 to signify the arrival of the Eurasian community with Captain Francis Light back in 1786.
This year’s Fiesta commemorates the 236th year of the occasion.
CJMY
