Festa San Pedro 2001

Three years ago, whilst attending the Festa San Pedro in Malacca, a few of us decided that it would be a good idea to submit a float as part of the parade.  Although the idea took shape, nothing was really decided until about a fortnight before Festa San Pedro 2000.  From a small idea, the theme of "The Little Mermaid" was borne and the inaugural "Familia Theseira" float was launched.  (Refer to the archives for photos of this celebration.)  The original idea behind the float was to inspire other groups or families in Malacca to do the same and improve the quality of the San Pedro parade.  

This year, a lot more thought and preparation went into our float with the theme being "Hawaiian/Polynesian".  Basically, the premise was to have something associated with the sea (ie) a tropical island paradise.  The boat (supplied by Cecil Theseira) was decorated to represent a volcanic island.  Riding on the float were King Kamehameha (Jude Theseira), an historical native King of Hawaii with his various attendants and hula maidens (Arnold Fanvell, Marco Theseira-Bismal, Olivia Rouch, Bianca and Marcus Gotz and Allayna StaMaria).  The rest of the family accompanied the float on foot, dancing our way through the streets of Malacca.  With waves splashing against the rocks, palm trees swaying in the breeze and an active volcano spewing smoke, the float looked resplendent in the parade and held pride of place.  The procession began at 'A Formosa', winding it's way along Banda Hilir Road, past 271 Banda Hilir (the old Farleigh Theseira residence), round St. Johns Hill, along Ujung Pasir and right into Portuguese Settlement.  Needless to say many a bottle of beer was consumed between the start and the finish but everyone arrived in good "spirits".  The greetings and applause we received from the spectators along the way, and particularly when we entered Portuguese Settlement, were enough to make the last three days of hard work, putting the float together, worthwhile.  

The Theseira family was well represented in the parade by Cedes Theseira; Cora & Tony Silva; Priscie & Cecil Theseira; Carole & Jude Theseira; Sandra & John Theseira; Pat & Noel Theseira; Cynthia Theseira;  Angela, Austin, Rachel & Arnold Fanvell; Sonia, Andrew, Olivia & Euan Rouch; Denise, Ralph, Bianca & Marcus Gotz; Jean, Allayana & Lara Sta Maria; Jani & Alex Theseira, Aly & Marco Theseira Bismal; Vanessa & Raymond Fletcher; Neil Sta Maria and Jay (the American).

Although everyone helped in various ways in getting the float together, I would particularly like to thank Priscie & Cecil Theseira for the loan of their boat and their unwavering hospitality by once again opening up their home to the mess and bedlam which the preparations involve.  Also, to Sandra Theseira, for sewing most of the ladies and children's outfits and her creative input.  To Jude, for once again putting himself out there as "a king amongst all kings".  To Jay, whose artistic guidance helped make the volcano and waves so realistic.  To everyone else involved, thank you for all your help and contributions and we look forward to an even better Fest San Pedro 2002.

Sonia Rouch

 Training the next generation (Olivia Rouch and Bianca Gotz)

Aly Theseira adding realism to the volcano

Master craftsmen at work.  (l to r, Andrew Rouch, John Theseira and Raymond Fletcher; background, Cynthia Theseira)

The completed float before the ride into Malacca town.

Getting ready at 'A Famosa'

Don't we look splendid.  Aloha!

You are never too young to enjoy Festa San Pedro.  Euan Rouch having a great time.

King Kamehameha and his many attendants.

The float of San Pedro which was directly behind us.

Walking/dancing into Portuguese Settlement.

The entrance into Portuguese Settlement.

Note:  These are the only photos I have to date.  We will put up more as they come in.