Chinese Vegetarian Festival at Yaowarat Chinatown Bangkok from Sep 25 – Oct 4 2022
Filmed and edited by David Found
Thousands of local residents were seen celebrating the return of the annual Vegetarian Festival, enjoying meat-free dishes on the streets of Bangkok on Monday. “I sell vegetarian pork style satay and last year we did not sell (during the pandemic hiatus), so this year please come and eat here,” said one street food vendor. Footage shows the many food-stalls offering vegetarian specialties, as well as musicians marching, artists performing and an array of specially decorated floats. A huge dragon puppet snaked its way through the crowds. “I eat it every year and it is very tasty and good for my health,” commented one satisfied customer. Also known as the ‘Nine Emperor Gods Festival’, the event is rooted in the Chinese community and based on the belief that abstaining from meat contributes to both mental and physical health. The nine-day festival, observed across southeast Asia, takes place this year between September 25 and October 4 2022.