Trang province has its own share of festivals and celebrations throughout the year in addition to national festivals and it interestingly has a preponderance of festivals to do with different types of food.
The Vegetarian Festival held in October on a full moon day is believed to have Hindu and Buddhist roots. Thais with Chinese heritage are expected to become vegetarians and wear white for nine days to gain merit. Food offerings are set out in front of houses so that a wondering spirit in the form of a ‘medium’ could consume it and bless the house. The ‘spirit’ is taken in a procession through the city and is accompanied by much noise especially of firecrackers and dragon dancers. Mediums will walk on fire or pierce themselves as proof that the ‘spirit’ is in them.
Perhaps the most well known of all festivals is the Trang Cake Festival and it involves people outside Trang as well, as they make special trips to enjoy the cakes made there. This festival takes place in August. The cakes have no frosting and have a texture similar to a traditional Thai cake and are usually presented in a combination of three flavours some of which are exotic and unique.
The Roast Pork Festival held each September serves up roast pork with crispy skin made to a special recipe requiring the meat to be steeped in a special marinade and then barbecued to ensure that it is tender and the skin crispy. The pork can be eaten at all mealtimes.
Another festival to do with food is the Trang Food Festival held in late March through to early April to promote regional food. Hundreds of food stalls and Trang restaurants compete for customers and serve a variety of Thai, Chinese and local cuisine at rock bottom prices. Eating competitions are a favourite with visitors.
The Trang Cultural Festival held on the eleventh lunar month on the first and third days of the waning moon showcases traditions unique to the area. It features processions with Buddhist themes, cultural performances, handicrafts and product shows, competitions and religious services at local temples.
Celebrated from 5th to 15th December, the King’s Birthday is a national holiday and one of the grandest celebrations with streets and buildings decorated and lit up with coloured lights and a festive air pervading the whole city. A trade fair and exhibition is held at the Thung Chaeng Stadium with live entertainment energizing visitors.
The Moon Festival is celebrated by the Trang Chinese community in the 8th month according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Moon watching, getting together with family and friends, eating moon cakes and worshipping the moon in Chinese temples are some of the activities during this period.
A decidedly un-foodie activity, the Four Wheel Drive Off – Road Competition takes place around November in and about Trang with the participation of about a hundred Thai and several overseas drivers. ‘Four Wheel Drive Club’ members, other participants and guests have a field day trying out their vehicles in the roughest parts of Trang.
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