Visitors posed with colorful light decorations at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival this weekend.

Footage shows the elaborate decorations coiled around buildings and landmarks on the popular holiday island, where tourists posed for pictures with the creations.

The Taoist Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is best known for its graphic displays of spiritual fortitude, with devotees piercing their cheeks with skewers.

But there are also elaborate festivals, parades and street food laid on to mark the annual celebration, which has roots in ancient culture from China.

Participants also observe a strict vegetarian or vegan diet for nine days.

Devotees believe the sacrifice will cleanse their bodies and minds and invite good luck and fortune into their lives. Many participants believe it will also bestow health and spiritual strength.

This year's Vegetarian Festival will run until October 23.