During this period, many local residents of ethnic Chinese heritage believe that the spirits of departed loved ones return to receive offerings from the living.
Phuket City Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas explained that the Por Tor tradition is a blend of Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist beliefs.
The cultural event holds significant importance in Phuket, occurring in the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls around September.
People across different parts of Phuket offer special foods to pay homage to their ancestors. These offerings include various delicacies and gifts, quite similar to the customs of the Chinese New Year celebration.
The festival in Phuket has become renowned for its famous delicacy the ‘Tuo Gu’, also often called ‘Ang Ku’, a red turtle-shaped cake.
In the past, Tuo Gu cakes were made from rice flour and featured a white appearance with a red dot in the centre. Today, they are made from wheat and sugar, with the whole turtle now a distinct red colour.
Consuming Tuo Gu cakes is believed to bring good fortune and joy.
The Por Tor Festival is an integral part of the Thai-Chinese cultural fabric in Phuket and stands as the last remaining celebrations of its kind in Thailand.
The schedule of events for the festival in Phuket Town is as follows:
Monday, Aug 28: 9:00am - 00:00am (midnight) at Phuket Thai Hua Museum, Krabi Rd
Wednesday, Aug 30: 10:00am - 00:00am (midnight) at Hok Nguan Kong Shrine (near the Clockower Circle on Phuket Rd)
Thursday, Aug 31: 10:00am - 00:00am (midnight) at Jor Ong Shrine, Krabi Rd.
Friday, Sept 1 / Saturday, Sept 2: 1:00 pm - 10:00pm at Phuket Fresh Market Building (3rd floor), Ranong Rd.
Sunday, Sept 3: 6:00am - 00:00am (midnight) at Por Tor Kong Bang Neaw Shrine, Takua Thung Rd (festivities held each day until Sept 14).
Monday, Sept 4: 10:00am - 00:00am (midnight) at Phuket Thai Hua Museum, Krabi Rd.
Tuesday, Sept 5: 10:00am - 10:00pm at Ao Ke Community, Takua Pa Rd.
These are the various venues and times where the Por Tor events will be taking place, allowing people to engage in the festivities and pay their respects during the Por Tor festival.