The event will take place on Aug 9-10 in Phuket Old Town and Suan Luang (King’s Park), with a full programme of cultural exhibitions, performances and workshops highlighting the island’s Peranakan cultural heritage.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat announced the festival yesterday (July 9) as a series aimed at promoting provincial tourism and key development policies.
The Kebaya Festival is a collaborative effort between local government agencies and cultural networks in the province, building on Phuket’s status as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in Gastronomy, said an official report of the announcement.
It also follows the 2023 recognition of the traditional kebaya dress as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, alongside Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
“This event is not only about conserving and continuing the legacy of Peranakan culture – a vital part of Phuket’s identity – but also an opportunity to stimulate the local economy, promote creative tourism and support community enterprises,” said Governor Sophon.
Puangphaka Chaowwai, Chief of the Phuket office of the Ministry of Culture, outlined the key events in the lead-up to and during the festival, including the Peranakan Shoe Embroidery Workshop already held on July 2–3.
Other upcoming activities include:
* ‘Children Take Mother Wen’ Cultural Activity – July 19
* ‘Looking Through the Lens of My Kebaya’ Photo Contest – entries accepted July 19
* Baba Jewellery Making Workshop – July 24–25
* Phuket Creative City Festival (Main Event) – Aug 9–10
The main festival will feature a grand ‘kebaya parade’, official opening ceremony, fashion and food exhibitions, and cultural zones showcasing traditional dress, architecture and performing arts. A dedicated food zone will present creative gastronomy from the Andaman provinces.
Public relations activities for the festival will run from Aug 1-10, aiming to attract both domestic and international visitors, Ms Puangphaka noted.
“This is a major step in elevating Phuket’s local cultural festivals to the national and international level,” Ms Puangphaka said. “We aim to reinforce Phuket’s status as a creative city and stimulate the grassroots economy through sustainable cultural tourism.”
The public and tourists are warmly invited to experience the rich heritage of kebaya fashion and Peranakan culture at the festival, she added.