The event was attended by a range of officials and guests, including Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob and international representatives such as Prof Jeong Kang-Hon, President of the International Festivals Federation of Asia (IFEA).
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and the Peranakan Association of Thailand were among the event’s co-organisers.
More than 3,000 people took part in more than 20 parade segments, which made their way through the heart of Phuket Old Town from the Clock Tower Roundabout (Surin Circle) to Saphan Hin Cape. The event showcased traditional Peranakan culture ‒ also known as Baba-Nyonya heritage ‒ alongside artistic performances and regional representation from across Thailand and neighbouring countries.
Highlights included traditional music, dance, large-scale props, cultural costumes and themed art performances. Local and regional groups from Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore participated in the parade, which also featured collaborations with local schools, artists and food associations.
One standout procession featured over 100 student musicians performing ‘Sound of Hope’, symbolised by ‘Fufu bats’, which are associated with good fortune in Chinese culture. This element ties in with Phuket’s upcoming role as host of the ‘Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025’, a contemporary art festival scheduled for later this year.
Other segments highlighted aspects of local life and identity, including parades themed around food such as Hokkien noodles and pineapples, traditional crafts like handkerchiefs and fans, and performances celebrating ethnic diversity. Phuket’s renowned cabaret scene, water parks and local attractions also featured prominently.
Today (June 22), the final day of the festival, organisers will attempt to set a Guinness World Record by serving 800 dishes of Phuket Hokkien noodles. More than 200 chefs and restaurants are expected to take part in the event at Saphan Hin Cape.
The festival has previously received awards including the City Festival Award from Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA), the Asia Pinnacle Awards from the Asia IFEA, and recognition from the World IFEA for best parade.
Organisers say the festival helps strengthen community ties, promote Phuket’s cultural identity and build international partnerships, while positioning the island as a hub for both heritage and contemporary arts.