The event harks back to the heyday of the Malacca Sultanate, when Malacca was a thriving and renowned trading emporium that attracted merchants from regions such as China, India, the Middle East and Europe. Those from China and India brought with them their own cultures, which they managed to adapt to the Malay culture, such as wearing the kebaya (traditional Malay costume) and speaking in the Malay language. Commercial ties developed into friendship and romance. Spectacular events are held for subjects, friends and foreign dignitaries to highlight the merging and evolving cultures in Malaysia.