Phuket Festivals and Events
Vegetarian Festival - Late September/Early October
This Phuket festival is probably the most colourful and
dramatic celebration by Phuket’s Chinese-Thai majority
and not recommended for the squeamish or faint hearted!
The first Vegetarian festival was held in 1825 in the Kathu
District of the island, where, according to legend, a popular
opera troupe on tour from China fell mysteriously ill and
needed to appease the Gods to effect a cure. The Festival
originated as a healing event for the ill-fated and promotes
physical and spiritual recovery through ritual practices
that aim to cleanse the body and mind while strengthening
the faith. It is observed with great fervour.
During the festival period, devout Chinese Buddhists dress
in white, eat only vegetarian food, abstain from sex, gambling,
swearing, killing animals, drinking alcohol, smoking, and
wearing jewellry. As part of this spiritual process they
also perform incredible feats while in a self induced trance.
The result is a bizarre spectacle.
They walk on burning coals, pierce tender parts of their
bodies with sharp or thorny instruments, climb a ladder
made of knives barefoot; yet there is no apparent pain,
massive loss of blood, or other ill-effects.
Devotees, anxious to make merit, wander around the streets
from temple to temple, presenting an astonishing but frankly
gruesome spectacle. On the the last day, elaborate dragon
and lion dances are held, along with many mind-bending acts
of self-mortification in front of the clock tower in the
centre of Phuket Town. This frantic ceremony lasts into
the evening, as thousands of people clog the streets of
Phuket setting off great strings of firecrackers to bid
a last and very noisy farewell to the gods. Ear plugs recommended!
Phuket Vegetarian Festival takes place during the first
nine days of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar,
usually around late September or early October.
Songkran Festival - April 13
One of the oldest traditions in Thailand, the Songkran
festival celebrates the traditional Thai New Year. During
this period, Thais return home for family reunions and visit
temples, making merit and sprinkling water on Buddha images
in reverence. Meeting friends and sprinkling water on each
others' shoulders and hands is an act of wishing good luck.
Although the tradition of gentle sprinkling in temples
and homes is still practiced, Songkran has become an exuberant
festival with revellers throwing water at anyone and everyone
in the streets. So leave your cameras and valuables behind
and join in the fun. At the hottest time of the year in
Thailand, the festival is a welcome relief from the heat.
Held annually on April 13
Turtle Release - 11 April (National Fisheries Day)
A delightful event is now incorporated into the Songkran
or traditional Thai New Year festival.
Baby sea-turtles are released into the sea at various beaches
around Phuket. This government sponsored event is to ensure
the survival of the turtle population, as the numbers of
sea-turtles have drastically reduced over the years. The
event is already becoming popular with both the locals and
tourists and is raising awareness of the about the importance
of conserving and protecting this endangered species.
The Thailand International Marathon - May
 First
held in 1989, the Thailand International Marathon has attracted
competitors from around the world, drawn by the challenging
scenic route, the prize money, and a chance to spend a great
holiday in Phuket.
Scheduled for May this year, this is one of the more popular
international sports events held annually on the island.
In addition to the international marathon, a 10Km mini-marathon,
classified by age, is open to the very young and the over
sixties. The beginning and ending venue is at Sapan Hin
Park in Phuket Town.
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Loy Kratong Festival (Full moon day) - November
The most beautiful of the Thai festivals. It's not clear
how the festival originated, but according to legend, in
the 13th century, a young princess floated a small boat
laden with candle and incense downstream to take away bad
luck. The idea of allowing your troubles to float away has
grown into one of the country’s most enchanting festivals.
As the full moon rises, Thais fill tiny floral boats with
candles, incense, coins and launch them on rivers, canals,
ponds, and the sea to wash away sins and to bless love affairs.
Join in the fun: buy a Kratong from a vender, light the
taper and incense, place a small coin and a few hairs plucked
from the head, say a prayer and send it on its way on a
pond or waterway. The celebration begins about 7.30 pm.
Thai women dress in beautiful traditional Thai dresses.
King's Cup Annual Regatta - December
More than 100 racing yachts from all over the world compete,
in what has now become Asia’s premier yachting event.
First held in 1987, to celebrate His Majesty the King of
Thailand's 60th birthday, the regatta is held every year
around December 5th and lasts one week. Races take place
along the west coast of Phuket, Krabi and the neigbouring
islands.
See
a photo gallery of the King's Cup Regatta
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