Sunday, November 25, 2018

[Event] Early Christmas Celebrations at The Eurasian Festival by The Eurasian Association

Do you know that the Eurasian community has been around even before the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles? To serve the interests of the Eurasian community in Singapore, the Eurasian Association (EA) was set up in 1919. That's really a long history of heritage and contributions to Singapore's development and next year will be the Centennial Celebrations of the Eurasian Association.  


With the aim to foster closer ties and promote a better understanding with the other ethnic groups and nationalities in Singapore, the Eurasian Festival was organised and supported by the People's Association. It also serves as a focal point for the Eurasian community to come together and celebrate their unique identity, traditions and vibrant culture.


Held at the West Coast Community Club, I went to this event with my family and friends to experience the Eurasian cultural. There was a specially curated Eurasian cultural exhibition outside the community hall featuring a Eurasian house, church puzzle and a cookbook with recipe cards that we can bring back.


Inside the multi purpose hall, a line-up of performances and activities was going on. I had the chance to dress up in traditional Portuguese Eurasian costumes at the photo booth and we all took a few fun photos with the props for memory.



My parents and Rena was having fun with the Christmas games such as Pin the nose on Rudolph and Toy Soldier Bowling. They also did the coloring for the Christmas tree decorations. There were also booths selling crafts and Eurasian Souvenirs.


Mel Ferdinands performed and sang a lot of oldies and there's also a traditional Eurasian Folk dance. I really enjoyed these performances. We also participate in a mass quiz on traditions and food during Christmas through the Kahoot online website.


For our buffet dinner, we got to savour traditional Eurasian cuisine such as Chicken Devil Curry, Pot Roast Beef (halal), Eurasian Noodle, Chap Chye, Patchri (halal) and sugee cake. It was really delicious.


Dr Alexius Pereira, President of Eurasian Association shared about the interesting story of how the devil curry got its name. It's actually the mispronunciation of Curry Debal that originated around the 1500s using leftover meats and made the day after Christmas. This is a dish near and dear to the Eurasian community.


Shortly after our dinner and Kahoot game, Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Communications and Information, Minister-In-Charge of Trade Relations, and Adviser to West Coast GROs arrived and grace the event as the guest-of-honour. Minister Iswaran is also the Minister representing the Eurasian community in the cabinet.


He later lighted up the Christmas Tree that was decorated by the members of public. The night continues on with a wonderful performance of Christmas Carols and a special appearance of Santa Claus. Mr S Iswaran later went down the stage to mingle with the participants and to give out candy canes. 


The event ends with a Lucky Draw and although we didn't win anything, we really enjoyed and immersed ourselves in this Eurasian celebration.


XOXO

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