Chinese Gods on Phuket Land: What is the Meaning of the Vegetarian Festival?
On October 3, the Vegetarian Festival begins in Phuket – one of the most significant cultural events on the island. This festival, with Chinese roots, is celebrating its 199th anniversary and is a unique Phuket tradition, not found in other provinces of Thailand.
The Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods, which became the basis of the holiday, has long been forgotten in China, but in Phuket it continues to be celebrated. Spectacular street processions, masons with pierced faces, walking on coals and ladders made of knives – all these are integral parts of the Phuket celebration.
On October 3, the Vegetarian Festival begins in Phuket – one of the most significant cultural events on the island. This festival, with Chinese roots, is celebrating its 199th anniversary and is a unique Phuket tradition, not found in other provinces of Thailand.
The Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods, which became the basis of the holiday, has long been forgotten in China, but in Phuket it continues to be celebrated. Spectacular street processions, masons with pierced faces, walking on coals and ladders made of knives – all these are integral parts of the Phuket celebration.
