Phuket scoops top awards in time for Vegetarian Festival

Phuket is proving it’s not just a holiday hotspot but a global player in events, as it bagged two major honours at the 2024 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards in the US. The Thai island, renowned for its stunning beaches, was crowned World Festival and Event City, and its iconic Vegetarian Festival snatched the prestigious Grand Pinnacle award.

These accolades come as Phuket gears up for its annual Vegetarian Festival, running from tomorrow, October 3 to October 11. The festival, steeped in nearly 200 years of tradition, offers a heady mix of cultural rituals, spiritual devotion, and mouth-watering vegetarian cuisine.

“The festival is a unique display of rituals, traditions, and community involvement.”

With wild rituals such as fire-walking and spirit mediums performing self-mutilation, the Vegetarian Festival is certainly not your average event. These acts, while intense, are believed to bring good fortune to the community. The Yew Keng street procession is another festival highlight, where deity chairs parade through the streets, along with thousands of participants.

Beyond the spirituality, it’s a foodie’s paradise, showcasing everything from traditional Thai dishes to innovative vegetarian creations by Michelin-starred chefs. The festival isn’t just about culture—it’s a sustainability success story.

Phuket has implemented eco-friendly measures, like reducing plastic use and carbon emissions, ensuring the island stays pristine while attracting thousands of visitors.

In 2023, the event generated 5.75 billion baht, providing a huge boost to local businesses. Phuket’s double award win is further proof of its world-class event-hosting prowess, balancing cultural preservation with sustainable tourism, reported Thai PBS World.

In related news, Phuket Town is in a race against time to ensure its roads are smooth and festival-ready before the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off tomorrow, October 3. The city’s top brass is pulling out all the stops, with Deputy Mayor Suphot La-ongphet leading the charge on a series of urgent road resurfacing projects across key streets.