Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Bangkok it was my first destination in Asia. As soon as I arrived at capital of thailand, I discovered that soon there would be a festival in phuket. I was told we were in luck, as it was a very famous vegetarian festival. I really didn't know what it was and didn't understand why a lettuce event could cause such a stir. 

Well, that was until I searched the Google and see people bored in every possible way. A week later I was in Phuket to the call Festival of the 9 Emperor Gods (The Nine Emperor Gods Festival), a cultural and religious tradition of Chinese origin that became popular in several other Asian countries that have a large Taoist community.



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Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

During the 9 days of the festival, devotees usually dress in white and limit themselves to vegetarian food, do not drink, practice sexual abstinence and a few other things to worship their ancestral gods. Some devotees, in a trance state, have their cheeks, tongue or other body parts pierced by all sorts of objects. All the same!

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket


Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

It even had sponsorship #jabá

while the Masongs (people who invite the spirits of the gods to possess their bodies)  parade through the streets, families wait in front of their homes or in establishments making offerings. In return, the Masongs bless the locals and the people.


Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Masong and a merchant in front of his store. Fruits are the most common gifts. In general, the Masong takes some fruit and presents someone around him with another.

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Masong and a merchant in front of his store. Fruits are the most common gift. In general, the Masong takes some fruit and presents someone around him with another. 

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Os Masongs they don't necessarily pierce or mutilate themselves in any way. The locals appreciate those who don't pierce themselves in the same way. While the parades take place, the activities in the city's various temples do not stop. We were welcomed in all the temples and we were even invited to have dinner or lunch whenever we wanted.


Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Children also participate in the parades, but are limited to carrying flags, usually with symbols of the temples they attend.

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket


Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

but not that you need to be old to slash a sword or two in the face…

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Age doesn't really matter much.

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

also no matter what you want to cross your face to show your devotion

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

You can even take selfies. I want to see if you have the courage to put the selfie stick in your mouth, or better put it through your tongue ;p

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Doctors, nurses and volunteers accompany to assist in whatever is necessary. Drinking water when you have 32 skewers in your mouth is a real challenge.


In the parades, the Masongs they are followed by devotees who carry chairs with images of the gods. These guys don't pierce themselves, but all the way through they must face a hail of fireworks.

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

The rocket launcher waiting for the next group 

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

 Drinks are available at tables along the way.


Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

If the heat and the bombs exploding on top of you weren't enough, there's still choking smoke. But they don't lose their way or their animation.

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

The end is a much quieter part. They emerge dragons driven by people and children in costumes who receive/exchange money by luck.

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

 The streets are covered in red, especially because of the thousands of fireworks that explode all over the city. It's the parade of the day ends with a cleanse.

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Some temples also have night parades 

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

Invariably the parades end at the temple where the Masongs release the spirits again.

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

All of this may seem very strange to outsiders, but it is a very traditional party open to everyone.

A very positive point: all the people – without exception – we met were very friendly and receptive.

It even made me want to grab some needles and stick them at the party…

Festival of the Nine Gods in Phuket

But… will is something that gives….but it passes!

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