Phuket Old Town Festival to begin next week

PHUKET: The annual three-day Phuket Old Town Festival will kick off on February 7 with a parade to celebrate the unique culture of Phuket’s residents.

Events will be held along Thalang Road, Soi Rommanee and Krabi Road – the heart of the Phuket Old Town area, explained Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana.

“The main purpose of this festival is to preserve our beautiful culture and traditions, and to promote cultural tourism,” said Mayor Somjai.

“As part of the festivities this year, a mini concert will take place at the Thalang Cafe featuring Su Boonliang, from Koh Samui, and the beautiful voices of Rawiwan Jinda and Jeab Wattana.”

The three streets will be blocked so that festival-goers can enjoy the activities comfortably on foot. Local food, music, games and artistic Chinese performances can be expected throughout the three-day event.

“Visitors will have a chance to win a gold necklace on each day of the festival, and will also have a chance to worship Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy” noted Mayor Somjai.

The opening day parade starts at 5pm at the intersection of Phang Nga Road and Kanit Hongsyok Road.

After heading west toward Old Town, the procession will turn left onto Montri Road, and continue to Surin Circle, the “Clocktower Circle”, where it will turn right onto Phuket Road and then left onto Rassada Road.

At Suriyadej Circle, the parade will turn right onto Yaowarat Road, then turn right again onto Thalang road and head towards Queen Sirikit Park, where it will conclude. (Click here to see a map of the parade route.)

From 10:30pm until midnight on the first night of the festival, Phuket City Municipality will hold a candlelit ceremony to pray for good fortune in front of the dragon statue at Queen Sirikit Park, Mayor Somjai said.

“Please come to the festival to be a part of the beautiful culture of Phuket, and fill your stomach with our delicious local food,” she added.

— Chutharat Plerin