Phuket –
Phuket City Municipality is once again embracing its rich cultural heritage with the annual Por Tor Festival, a celebration of ancestral reverence and community spirit. Held from September 10th to the 21st, 2025, this year’s event carries the theme “Awakening Faith, Weaving the Bonds of Ancestry,” inviting locals and visitors alike to honor traditions while supporting the island’s cultural tourism economy.
Our previous story:
Phuket is set to celebrate one of its most spiritually rich traditions—the Por Tor Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival—between September 4th and 21st, 2025.
Phuket to Hold Annual Por Tor, or Hungry Ghost, Festival 2025
The festival opened with a spirited procession and ceremonial gathering at the Seng Tek Bel Guan Im Tai Sue Shrine (Por Tor Kong Bang Neow) on Takua Thung Road. The shrine, a historic spiritual center for Phuket’s Chinese-Thai community, served as the heart of the festivities, where offerings, performances, and rituals paid homage to ancestors and wandering spirits.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the Por Tor Festival is a showcase of Phuket’s multicultural identity. It blends Taoist customs with local flavors, featuring red turtle-shaped cakes symbolizing longevity, lion dances, and traditional music. The event also fosters intergenerational connection, with families gathering to share stories and rituals passed down through centuries.
Key highlights include:
- September 11th, 5:00 PM — A cultural showcase at the Phuket Thaihua Museum (Kian Tek Por Association) on Krabi Road, spotlighting the island’s Chinese heritage through exhibitions and performances.
- September 12th, 1:00 PM — Community activities at Ao Ke neighborhood on Takua Pa Road, where residents engage in traditional crafts and communal offerings.
By promoting local customs and encouraging participation from all walks of life, the Por Tor Festival continues to serve as a bridge between past and present. It not only preserves Phuket’s unique identity but also energizes its tourism sector, drawing attention to the island’s spiritual depth beyond its beaches.
As the red turtles march on and incense fills the air, Phuket reminds the world that honoring one’s roots is a powerful act of unity—and a celebration worth sharing.
