Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is widely celebrated due to the large number of Chinese in Phuket. Chinese Hokkien generally celebrates 9 days of New Year whereas the Chinese Teochew generally celebrates 7 days of New Year.

Thailand celebrates three New Year annually:

1.Gregorian New Year’s Eve on 31st December 

2.Chinese Lunar New Year

3.Thai New Year (Songkran Festival) on 13th to 15th April

Chinese God Worship Day

The ceremony is held on the last day of Chinese New Year where people pray to gods for prosperity and happiness. The main offerings include a pair of sugarcanes, auspicious fruits and sweets. 

Por Tor Festival

Por Tor or the “Hungry Ghost” Festival marks the mid year on the Chinese lunar calendar, it is believed to be the period when the Heaven and Hell gates open and spirits are allowed to revisit homes on Earth. It is a merit-making festival where food offerings are prepared for their ancestors and the hungry spirits with no relatives. The symbol of the event is the red turtle cake “Ang-ku” which come in all sizes. The Ang-ku cakes are made from wheat flour and sugar. The turtle symbolizes strength and longevity.

Mid-Autumn Festival (Mooncake Festival)

The festival occurs during the autumnal equinox when the moon is said to be the fullest (the harvest moon). It is the time of the year to give thanks and celebrate the time of abundance and to pay respect to the late ancestors. Moon worship is done in an open space where an offering table is set up with mooncakes, fruits, snacks and incenses. Mooncakes are then divided and shared among family members. They come in various fillings, the standard fillings being red beans, mixed nuts and lotus seeds.