The Mayor of Kathu, Chai-anan Sutthikul, who is chairing the organising committee, told The Phuket News, “I would like to see Phuketians bring back some of the old traditions that have been lost, and incorporate them into modern life.
“I hope this event may help local people promote our culture and preserve our traditions.”
The carnival will begin with a grand opening at the Chinese Shrine in the market on Wichit Songkram Rd at 5.30 pm, followed by a parade along the road, featuring people in traditional costumes, some carrying PorTor – edible sculptures of turtles, signifying long life.
The sides of the road will be decorated to look like Phuket in the old days, and stalls will sell traditional food, Thai desserts, arts and crafts.
Visitors will get to learn about the beliefs behind Phuket’s famed Vegetarian Festival, and ways that tin was mined in the area. There will also be different stage shows each day featuring enactments of old-time fairy tales, Phuket culture or live music.