Melaka celebrates 16th year as UNESCO World Heritage City

The Melaka Heritage Festival, set to take place from July 12, promises an enriching experience with a series of public arts, culture, and heritage-related programmes in the Banda Hilir area, including Jalan Kota.

This event, themed ‘Warisan Kita, Kebanggaan Kita’ (Our Heritage, Our Pride), marks Melaka’s 16th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Celebrating heritage with diverse events

The festival, announced by State Deputy Exco for Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Datuk Zaidi Attan, will feature various activities designed to celebrate and preserve Melaka’s rich cultural legacy.

The event will kick off with the Kebaya and Classic Attire Parade at the Stadthuys building on July 12, showcasing traditional fashion and celebrating Melaka’s sartorial heritage.

From July 13, the ‘Malakka Dutch Week’ will commence with an exhibition at the Melaka Art Gallery, highlighting the historical ties between Melaka and the Netherlands.

This seven-day event will include reproductions and images of manuscripts and artefacts from the Maritime Museum in the Netherlands, providing visitors with a glimpse into the shared history of the two regions.

The exhibition will feature banners from the Selangor-Dutch war, illustrating the deep-rooted connections between Melaka and Dutch heritage.

A major highlight of the festival will be the Hikayat Hang Tuah Theatre show at Encore Melaka on July 13.

This theatrical performance, expected to draw 1,800 attendees including ambassadors, will bring the legendary tales of Hang Tuah to life, offering a rich cultural experience that underscores the enduring appeal of Melaka’s folklore.

Melaka drawing visitors and showcasing cultural riches

Datuk Zaidi Attan expressed optimism about the festival’s potential to attract a large audience. “We estimate the three-day Melaka Heritage Festival will draw up to 70,000 visitors,” he said at the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, where he officiated the closing ceremony for the Jejak Seni Exploration @ Melaka Museum and the ‘Museum Heritage and Art Photography Competition.’

The festival aims to provide a platform for showcasing the rich arts, culture, and heritage of Melaka’s diverse ethnic groups.

By doing so, it seeks to engage not only local and international tourists but also the younger generation, ensuring that the cultural traditions are preserved and appreciated by future generations.

“The upcoming Melaka Heritage Festival intends to showcase the rich arts, culture, and heritage of the various ethnic groups in Melaka,” Zaidi added.

“It is crucial that these traditions are not forgotten, and that they continue to be celebrated and understood by younger generations.”

The Melaka Heritage Festival stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique cultural heritage.

With a diverse range of activities and events, the festival offers something for everyone, from traditional attire parades to historical exhibitions and theatrical performances.

Join the celebration from July 12 to experience the vibrant culture and history of Melaka.

For more information and updates on the festival’s programmes, visit the official website of the Melaka Heritage Festival.