Phuket –
Phuket once again dazzled the world with the third edition of the Phuket Peranakan Festival, held from June 21 to 22, 2025, transforming the island into a global stage for cultural pride, artistic expression, and international recognition.
The grand opening ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including Mr. Suwit Phunsingiam, Deputy Governor of Phuket; Mr. Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization; Mr. Kittipong Praphattong from the Tourism Authority of Thailand; and prominent figures from the Thai and international cultural scene.
The event’s crown jewel, the “Phuket Peranakan World Parade & Carnival,” featured an extraordinary display of over 3,000 performers and 20 meticulously curated processions. Parading along the historic streets from the Clock Tower roundabout to the iconic Saphan Hin Cape, the spectacle embodied the theme “Island of Artistic”, in anticipation of the upcoming Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025.
This year’s festival not only celebrated local heritage but also claimed global accolades, including:
- The City Festival Award from the Creative Economy Agency (CEA),
- The Asia Pinnacle Award from Asia IFEA, and
- The coveted Grand Pinnacle Award for Best Parade from World IFEA.
Each parade troupe offered a unique artistic interpretation—from the vibrant “Mask of Artistic Island” to traditional Peranakan bridal ensembles and dazzling performances by community youth and cross-border artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Highlights included themed exhibitions like the Bat Parade, symbolizing good fortune through the Chinese-inspired “Fu-Fu” motif, and innovative artistic showcases featuring handheld fans, handkerchiefs, and the graceful bloom of peonies—all representing the elegant aesthetic of Peranakan women.
Immersive performances continued with Andamanda Water Park, Simon Cabaret’s decade-spanning tribute to gender diversity, and the awe-inspiring Aqua Circus Phuket. The celebration bridged heritage and modernity, tradition and tourism—culminating in an unforgettable finale on June 22 at Saphan Hin, where the community united to cook 800 plates of legendary Hokkien Mee. This heartfelt act earned Phuket a coveted spot in the Guinness World Records, cementing its status as a world festival destination.
With its profound blend of artistry, inclusivity, and cultural diplomacy, Phuket Peranakan Festival 2025 redefined what a local celebration can mean on a global scale.
