Upcoming: Lantern Festival
Posted by Amy Bensema | Jan 21, 2016
Gov Chamreon Tipayapongthada held a meeting last Friday (Jan 15) where he announced the up coming event together with V/Gov Khajornkiet Rakpanichmanee, President of Phuket Shrine Club Prasert Phagthongphol and Uthit Limsakul from Thailand Tourism Phuket Office.
Gov Chamroen explained, “The Lanterns Festival will run from February 2-22 and is aimed at reintroducing Phuket’s culture and heritage to the world.
“Every government department is helping to make this event possible as we are all aware that the beginning of February is Chinese New Year. It is also the month of love as many will celebrate Valentine's Day, and on February 22, the nation will celebrate Makha Bucha Day. The whole month of February is considering a holy and happy month,” he said.
“Every year, Thai-Chinese residents in Phuket Town decorate their houses with lanterns during the Chinese New Year, but this year we will have the biggest festival to light up the island.
“During the Lanterns Festival we will take the opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments in the recent City of Gastronomy Award we received from Unesco where Phuket was named one of 18 cities around the world to have a creative culinary dish,” he continued.
“We will reveal to residents and tourists what we received from Unesco besides the recognition, and we will introduce people to more than 300 Phuket cuisines in the Phuket Food Festival.
“We want to bring happiness to residents and tourists alike during the month of the festival,” said Gov Chairmen.
TAT official Mr Uthit added, “February 2016 is packed with festivals including Chinese New Year. TAT Phuket and the city will help light up the island with the new Lanterns Festival. And this will be in addition to the annual Wat Chalong Fair and Phuket Food Festival.
“February 13-15 will be Chinese New Year and the Phuket Old Town Festival and February 22 is a Budhist holiday – Makha Bucha,” he said.
“It is a special month for many who come to Phuket to celebrate, receive blessings and enjoy the festivals.
“Chinese New Year in Phuket is unique, especially on the last day of the festival which is on February 15, where believers will hold a ceremony rite to pay respect to the gods. It is one of many spectacular and memorable scenes Phuket has to offer,” he said.
