When is the Vegetarian Festival? What's on at the Phuket festival

Vegetarian Festival: September 25-October 5, 2003 is Phuket's grandest festival, which began in 1825. In those days, a strange disease broke out among miners working the tin mines. After a long period of ineffective treatment, people started to become vegetarians. After a while, the strange disease miraculously disappeared, and the locals thought it must have been blessed by the gods.

So every year, from the first to the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, people hold a grand ceremony to pray for disaster relief. In the afternoon before the festival, a tall pillar would be erected in the temple. At midnight, nine lanterns are hung on the pillar to announce the start of the vegetarian festival. During the festival, people wear white clothes, do not eat meat or drink alcohol, and participate in many celebrations and fireworks. Pregnant women and those in mourning are not allowed to participate in this event.

Patong Carnival 2003:November 1, 2003, a crazy, lively, artistic festival. Every year, people from all over the world gather at Patong Beach and party until sunset. There are some of Thailand's best jazz bands performing, siren shows, bartending shows, magic shows and much more. You'll also have access to Phuket's local art.

Phuket Triathlon: Held on November 30, 2003 at Bang Tao Beach, Phuket, the triathlon is an international competition consisting of an 1,800-meter swim race, a 55-kilometer bike race and a 12-kilometer run. The winner of the race will qualify for the Ironman in Hawaii.