Baba, or Straits Chinese people, are the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the island seeking a new and better life by working in tin mines back in the 19th Century. The annual mass Phuket Baba Wedding Festival is a celebration of the old memories of the tin mining industry, and is a great photography opportunity for tourists!
Thalang Road in Phuket Town was temporarily closed for traffic and there was a Chinese Dragon show that was taking place in the middle of the road!
After the Chinese Dragon dancing show, a procession of beautifully dressed people in elegant traditional costumes of the Perannakan and white suits is followed by the brides and grooms in their finest.
Around them were children dressed in a similar fashion throwing flower petals over the wedding couples as they paraded past.
The atmosphere was all embracing. It was predominately locals but even as a tourist I was welcomed and asked to participate! I met some of the local bloggers Jamie and Tim when they were taking photographs, but I soon lost them because there were just so many people. You can see their accounts of the festivals over the years here: http://jamie-monk.blogspot.com/2010/08/baba-peranakan-wedding-in-phuket.html and here: http://timinphuket-exploringthailand.blogspot.com/2011/06/baba-weddings-in-phuket-special-event.html
If you’re planning a holiday to Phuket next June, this is a must-see!
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