Some of the great said: "Who does not remember his past, there is no future." Mighting about it, festivals are constantly held in Thailand, who remind of the Great Past of the country. And one of the most popular is a festival of street culture that descend the descendants of Chinese immigrants on Phuket. Usually for this action overlap the whole area in the center of the island for several days. And, since the watches from five in the evening, here daily plunge into the past.
Stefan almost threw out the performance of street artists, having broken into the center of the improvised scene.
Here - right in front of us layout apartments of the usual phuket family, living smoothly a century ago. Nearby - on a small scene - the young dancers perform the national dances of the century already before last. Immediately, Boyko comes trading with pies according to old recipes and - unexpected neighborhood! - Vintage outfits. And late in the evening, festival days end in colorful salutes.
The descendants of Chinese immigrants worship at once several gods.
... The Chinese appeared on Phuket back in the XIX century - they were taken here for work on tin mines. Basically it was the people from the south of China. And they quickly mastered the phuket quickly, so today about a third of the inhabitants of the island - it is the Thais of Chinese origin. Moreover, it is the descendants of the immigrants today occupy the most important positions in Phuket. On the days of the festival, they generously open the doors of their homes - see how we live.
During any of the festivals, everyone dresses to the best of his strength and fantasy.
Housing Thai Chinese origin is very different from those in which ordinary Thais live. As a rule, the whole living room, which is available to the look of any passerby, is given to the gods. There are three altars at once - for the Buddha, for Chinese patrons and for their ancestors.
The festival procession will begin in a few minutes ...
Busy, but the figures of the Chinese gods can change - if suddenly the owner considers that one of the patrons clearly does not cope with their duties (and this is to protect, attract good and scare the evil), then he calmly changes it to another (or other). There is something in it, isn't it?
On the days of the festival of street culture, local residents break the doors of their homes ...
It is clear that the Thais of Chinese origin brought a lot to the local flavor. And besides the festival of hungry perfumes and the festival of street culture, once a year they spend truly unique act - a vegetarian festival.
... and, despite the clear Eastern flavor, many rooms do not differ at those who are accustomed to Europeans.
When we just arrived at Phuket, I, with a huge belly, simply did not let me up for festive acts (it turns out, pregnant women there is no place). Therefore, after a year, I decided to take part in this amazing festival. What is so terrible there?
Continued ...
Read the previous history of Olga here, and where it all starts - here.