On Monday 8th September 2014 at Suan Chalermprakiat 72 Punsa, Phuket City Mayor – Khun Somjai Suwansupana presided over the annual Phuket Moon Festival Ceremony 2014. The event, organized by Phuket City and various cultural networks, is a local tradition of Phuket and is held to increase tourism development and to support and promote Phuket Town. A large number of Phuket residents and tourists attended the ceremony which also includes a number of activities.
Speaking at the event, Khun Somjai said “The Moon Festival is an old tradition that is bound to the life of Chinese Hakka descendants to Phuket who have carried on the traditions of their ancestors for more than one hundred years. Their ancestors organized a ceremony to pray to the moon for fertility of the nation. The ceremony is one of the most important in the Chinese lunar colander and is celebrated not only in Phuket but also in many parts of China.”
There are many aspects to the celebrations including food demonstrations, the giving of food, especially traditional Phuket desserts namely Moon Cakes, various sacred musical performances by local youths, exhibitions from the Cultural Council of Phuket Town, a chanting ceremony, and a praying to the Moon ceremony which is held at exactly 21.19 hrs.