This past weekend, Phuket was honoured with a prestigious new title City of Festivals at the 2024 IFEA World Festival & Event City Awards, marking a monumental victory for the island.

The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) recognized Phuket’s vibrant cultural scene, and two of its standout events received top honors in both general and special categories at the 2024 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards.

2024 Award Highlights:

• Phuket – World Festival & Event City Award
• Peranakan Festival – Gold Pinnacle Award for best parade
• Vegetarian Festival – Gold Grand Pinnacle Award for best event

Held in June this year, the second Phuket Peranakan Festival featured a spectacular main parade that was nothing short of grand. This celebration of Peranakan culture captivated thousands of visitors while elaborate private events gave valuable expert insights into the islands past.

Curious to learn more? Dive into the September issue of RL Phuket for a detailed article on the rich Peranakan heritage, based largely on what we learned firsthand from the festival. We were right there, in the thick of it all, and it was exhilarating!

The Vegetarian Festival, which won silver last year in the Grand Pinnacle category, was held in October 2023 and is one of Phuket’s most fascinating traditions. You can also find a comprehensive article about this cultural phenomenon in the latest RL Phuket issue.

Will Phuketians outdo themselves this year? You’ll have to see for yourself as the 2024 Vegetarian Festival kicks off this week! The ceremonial raising of the nine-lantern-poles at the Chinese shrines will take place on October 2, with the official start of the festival on October 3.

When awarding Phuket the “City of Festivals” honor, IFEA organizers praised not only the island’s natural beauty, rich culture, and accessibility from all over the world, but also its striking identity.

“Phuket’s rich cultural heritage is showcased through events such as the Vegetarian Festival, featuring elaborate processions and rituals, and the Phuket Peranakan Festival, celebrating the island’s unique blend of Thai and Chinese heritage,” IFEA said.

“Moreover, Phuket’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015 underscores its culinary signifi cance, with a diverse array of dishes refl ecting a harmonious fusion of different cultural infl uences,” the association added.

“Furthermore, Phuket has emerged as a leading destination for health and wellness tourism, boasting top-quality medical facilities and specialized healthcare services, further enhancing its appeal as a world-class tourist destination,” the statement concluded.