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  • Locals watching the festival in Phuket Town, from a safe distance. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Participants of the festival adhere to a strict vegetarian diet for at least three days. This is one of the 10 main rules meant to ensure good hygiene and inner peace. Sex, alcohol, and meat are strictly forbidden. As cleanliness is considered to be of paramount importance, menstruating and pregnant women are not supposed to attend any of the rituals. The festival rules also call for impeccable mental and physical behavior as well as white clothing.
    h_VegetarianFestival32.jpg
  • Warriors preparing for fire-walking at the Vegetarian Festival. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Participants of the festival adhere to a strict vegetarian diet for at least three days. This is one of the 10 main rules meant to ensure good hygiene and inner peace. Sex, alcohol, and meat are strictly forbidden. As cleanliness is considered to be of paramount importance, menstruating and pregnant women are not supposed to attend any of the rituals. The festival rules also call for impeccable mental and physical behavior as well as white clothing.
    h_VegetarianFestival25.jpg
  • Warriors preparing for fire-walking at the Vegetarian Festival. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Participants of the festival adhere to a strict vegetarian diet for at least three days. This is one of the 10 main rules meant to ensure good hygiene and inner peace. Sex, alcohol, and meat are strictly forbidden. As cleanliness is considered to be of paramount importance, menstruating and pregnant women are not supposed to attend any of the rituals. The festival rules also call for impeccable mental and physical behavior as well as white clothing.
    h_VegetarianFestival24.jpg
  • Street procession in Phuket Town. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Participants of the festival adhere to a strict vegetarian diet for at least three days. This is one of the 10 main rules meant to ensure good hygiene and inner peace. Sex, alcohol, and meat are strictly forbidden. As cleanliness is considered to be of paramount importance, menstruating and pregnant women are not supposed to attend any of the rituals. The festival rules also call for impeccable mental and physical behavior as well as white clothing.
    h_VegetarianFestival18.jpg
  • Locals wearing white clothes wait for warriors during a street procession. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Participants of the festival adhere to a strict vegetarian diet for at least three days. This is one of the 10 main rules meant to ensure good hygiene and inner peace. Sex, alcohol, and meat are strictly forbidden. As cleanliness is considered to be of paramount importance, menstruating and pregnant women are not supposed to attend any of the rituals. The festival rules also call for impeccable mental and physical behavior as well as white clothing.
    h_VegetarianFestival13.jpg
  • Locals wearing white clothes wait for warriors during a street procession. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Participants of the festival adhere to a strict vegetarian diet for at least three days. This is one of the 10 main rules meant to ensure good hygiene and inner peace. Sex, alcohol, and meat are strictly forbidden. As cleanliness is considered to be of paramount importance, menstruating and pregnant women are not supposed to attend any of the rituals. The festival rules also call for impeccable mental and physical behavior as well as white clothing.
    h_VegetarianFestival14.jpg
  • A warrior dancing through Phuket Town during the Vegetarian Festival. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Participants of the festival adhere to a strict vegetarian diet for at least three days. This is one of the 10 main rules meant to ensure good hygiene and inner peace. Sex, alcohol, and meat are strictly forbidden. As cleanliness is considered to be of paramount importance, menstruating and pregnant women are not supposed to attend any of the rituals. The festival rules also call for impeccable mental and physical behavior as well as white clothing.
    h_VegetarianFestival04.jpg
  • Locals in the street during Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Participants of the festival adhere to a strict vegetarian diet for at least three days. This is one of the 10 main rules meant to ensure good hygiene and inner peace. Sex, alcohol, and meat are strictly forbidden. As cleanliness is considered to be of paramount importance, menstruating and pregnant women are not supposed to attend any of the rituals. The festival rules also call for impeccable mental and physical behavior as well as white clothing.
    h_VegetarianFestival03.jpg
  • Erotic ceramic mugs phallus created by Francisco Silva in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001897.jpg
  • Francisco Silva with ceramic phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001895.jpg
  • Francisco Silva with ceramic phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001890.jpg
  • Kids watching fireworks during the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, Thailand. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. A chosen few among the participants, called warriors, will pierce themselves with objects such as nails, swords, and knives. The piercing takes place in a shrine and is followed by the most spectacular part of the festival, the street processions: just like in a parade they file along the streets of Phuket, with groups of one or several pierced warriors leading a number of people behind them. Onlookers throw fireworks at them as they pass; these are intended to be as loud as possible as the common belief is that this will banish evil spirits. The warriors walk and dance in a trance-like state, unshaken by the noise.
    h_VegetarianFestival36.jpg
  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
    h_00010139.jpg
  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
    h_00010134.jpg
  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
    h_00010131.jpg
  • Francisco Silva with erotic ceramic mugs containing phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001899.jpg
  • Erotic ceramic mugs phallus created by Francisco Silva in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001900.jpg
  • Francisco Silva with erotic ceramic mugs containing phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001898.jpg
  • Francisco Silva filling moulds with ceramic phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001896.jpg
  • Francisco Silva with ceramic phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001893.jpg
  • Francisco Silva and his wife showing ceramic phallus created by Francisco in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001894.jpg
  • Francisco Silva and his wife showing ceramic phallus created by Francisco in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001891.jpg
  • Francisco Silva with ceramic phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001892.jpg
  • Francisco Silva with ceramic phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001889.jpg
  • Francisco Silva with erotic ceramic mugs containing phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001888.jpg
  • The wife of Francisco Silva with erotic ceramic mugs containing phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001887.jpg
  • Francisco Silva with erotic ceramic mugs containing phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001886.jpg
  • Francisco Silva and his wife working on their  erotic ceramic atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001885.jpg
  • Francisco Silva and his wife working on their  erotic ceramic atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001884.jpg
  • Francisco Silva with ceramic phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001883.jpg
  • Francisco Silva with ceramic phallus created by himself in his atelier at Chao da Parada, in Caldas da Rainha city. He is one of the last artisans of this kind of erotic pottery  traditional to Caldas da Rainha, in the center region of Portugal.
    h_00001882.jpg
  • Spanish fly, an insect used in several aphrodisiac medicines
    Lytta_vesicatoria.jpg
  • A boy plays with fireworks during the Vegetarian Festival in Thailand. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. The origins of the festival date back to 1825, when a traveling Chinese opera company came to Phuket to perform for the miners there. An epidemic broke out and as the members of the company fell sick, they adhered to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the Emperor Gods, Kiew Ong Tai The and Yok Ong Sone Teh. When they became well again shortly thereafter, the people of Phuket followed the companyÕs example - and have celebrated the festival ever since to bring good luck to their communities.
    h_VegetarianFestival35.jpg
  • Kids playing with fireworks at during the Vegetarian Festival. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival34.jpg
  • A girl watch the last day of the Vegetarian Festival. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival33.jpg
  • Locals watching the festival in Phuket Town. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. The origins of the festival date back to 1825, when a traveling Chinese opera company came to Phuket to perform for the miners there. An epidemic broke out and as the members of the company fell sick, they adhered to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the Emperor Gods, Kiew Ong Tai The and Yok Ong Sone Teh. When they became well again shortly thereafter, the people of Phuket followed the companyÕs example - and have celebrated the festival ever since to bring good luck to their communities.
    h_VegetarianFestival31.jpg
  • Locals watching the last street procession. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. A chosen few among the participants, called warriors, will pierce themselves with objects such as nails, swords, and knives. The piercing takes place in a shrine and is followed by the most spectacular part of the festival, the street processions: just like in a parade they file along the streets of Phuket, with groups of one or several pierced warriors leading a number of people behind them. Onlookers throw fireworks at them as they pass; these are intended to be as loud as possible as the common belief is that this will banish evil spirits. The warriors walk and dance in a trance-like state, unshaken by the noise
    h_VegetarianFestival29.jpg
  • Street procession in Phuket Town. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival30.jpg
  • Crowds gather in Phuket Town during the last day of the festival. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival27.jpg
  • Walking on fire at the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, Thailand. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival26.jpg
  • Locals watching the last street procession. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. A chosen few among the participants, called warriors, will pierce themselves with objects such as nails, swords, and knives. The piercing takes place in a shrine and is followed by the most spectacular part of the festival, the street processions: just like in a parade they file along the streets of Phuket, with groups of one or several pierced warriors leading a number of people behind them. Onlookers throw fireworks at them as they pass; these are intended to be as loud as possible as the common belief is that this will banish evil spirits. The warriors walk and dance in a trance-like state, unshaken by the noise
    h_VegetarianFestival28.jpg
  • Bladed ladder climbing in Phuket Town, Thailand. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival23.jpg
  • h_VegetarianFestival21.jpg
  • A warrior during a spiritual ritual in Phuket. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival22.jpg
  • Fireworks during street procession. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival20.jpg
  • Fireworks during street procession. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival19.jpg
  • Female participant during a street procession in Phuket Town. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. The origins of the festival date back to 1825, when a traveling Chinese opera company came to Phuket to perform for the miners there. An epidemic broke out and as the members of the company fell sick, they adhered to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the Emperor Gods, Kiew Ong Tai The and Yok Ong Sone Teh. When they became well again shortly thereafter, the people of Phuket followed the companyÕs example - and have celebrated the festival ever since to bring good luck to their communities.
    h_VegetarianFestival17.jpg
  • Locals of Phuket Town use fireworks to drive away evil spirits during the street procession. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival16.jpg
  • Street procession in Phuket Town with warrior in foreground followed by helpers. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival15.jpg
  • Two pierced warriors during the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, Thailand. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. The origins of the festival date back to 1825, when a traveling Chinese opera company came to Phuket to perform for the miners there. An epidemic broke out and as the members of the company fell sick, they adhered to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the Emperor Gods, Kiew Ong Tai The and Yok Ong Sone Teh. When they became well again shortly thereafter, the people of Phuket followed the companyÕs example - and have celebrated the festival ever since to bring good luck to their communities.
    h_VegetarianFestival12.jpg
  • A pierced warrior during the Vegetarian Festival. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. A chosen few among the participants, called warriors, will pierce themselves with objects such as nails, swords, and knives. The piercing takes place in a shrine and is followed by the most spectacular part of the festival, the street processions: just like in a parade they file along the streets of Phuket, with groups of one or several pierced warriors leading a number of people behind them. Onlookers throw fireworks at them as they pass; these are intended to be as loud as possible as the common belief is that this will banish evil spirits. The warriors walk and dance in a trance-like state, unshaken by the noise.
    h_VegetarianFestival11.jpg
  • A warrior in a state of trance. A chosen few among the participants, called warriors, will pierce themselves with objects such as nails, swords, and knives. The piercing takes place in a shrine and is followed by the most spectacular part of the festival, the street processions: just like in a parade they file along the streets of Phuket, with groups of one or several pierced warriors leading a number of people behind them. Onlookers throw fireworks at them as they pass; these are intended to be as loud as possible as the common belief is that this will banish evil spirits. The warriors walk and dance in a trance-like state, unshaken by the noise.
    h_VegetarianFestival10.jpg
  • A pierced warrior during the Vegetarian Festival. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. A chosen few among the participants, called warriors, will pierce themselves with objects such as nails, swords, and knives. The piercing takes place in a shrine and is followed by the most spectacular part of the festival, the street processions: just like in a parade they file along the streets of Phuket, with groups of one or several pierced warriors leading a number of people behind them. Onlookers throw fireworks at them as they pass; these are intended to be as loud as possible as the common belief is that this will banish evil spirits. The warriors walk and dance in a trance-like state, unshaken by the noise.
    h_VegetarianFestival09.jpg
  • A warrior gets pierced before the street procession during the Vegetarian Festival. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. A chosen few among the participants, called warriors, will pierce themselves with objects such as nails, swords, and knives. The piercing takes place in a shrine and is followed by the most spectacular part of the festival, the street processions: just like in a parade they file along the streets of Phuket, with groups of one or several pierced warriors leading a number of people behind them. Onlookers throw fireworks at them as they pass; these are intended to be as loud as possible as the common belief is that this will banish evil spirits. The warriors walk and dance in a trance-like state, unshaken by the noise.
    h_VegetarianFestival08.jpg
  • Locals praying inside a shrine during the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, Thailand. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. The origins of the festival date back to 1825, when a traveling Chinese opera company came to Phuket to perform for the miners there. An epidemic broke out and as the members of the company fell sick, they adhered to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the Emperor Gods, Kiew Ong Tai The and Yok Ong Sone Teh. When they became well again shortly thereafter, the people of Phuket followed the companyÕs example - and have celebrated the festival ever since to bring good luck to their communities.
    h_VegetarianFestival07.jpg
  • Streets of Phuket filled with smoke from the fireworks during the Vegetarian Festival. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival06.jpg
  • A warrior during a spiritual ritual in Phuket. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. The origins of the festival date back to 1825, when a traveling Chinese opera company came to Phuket to perform for the miners there. An epidemic broke out and as the members of the company fell sick, they adhered to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the Emperor Gods, Kiew Ong Tai The and Yok Ong Sone Teh. When they became well again shortly thereafter, the people of Phuket followed the companyÕs example - and have celebrated the festival ever since to bring good luck to their communities.
    h_VegetarianFestival05.jpg
  • Warrior during street procession in Phuket. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
    h_VegetarianFestival02.jpg
  • Street procession in Phuket Town. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making. A chosen few among the participants, called warriors, will pierce themselves with objects such as nails, swords, and knives. The piercing takes place in a shrine and is followed by the most spectacular part of the festival, the street processions: just like in a parade they file along the streets of Phuket, with groups of one or several pierced warriors leading a number of people behind them. Onlookers throw fireworks at them as they pass; these are intended to be as loud as possible as the common belief is that this will banish evil spirits. The warriors walk and dance in a trance-like state, unshaken by the noise.
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  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
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  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
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  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
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  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
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  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
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  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
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  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
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  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
    h_00010141.jpg
  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
    h_00010140.jpg
  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
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  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
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  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
    h_00010136.jpg
  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
    h_00010135.jpg
  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
    h_00010133.jpg
  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
    h_00010132.jpg
  • Dirty Princess are Yasmin and Nikky, a Spanish band that has a distinct electro-disco-punk sound and a really disturbing show on stage, where they mix a hot sexual performance with transgressive lyrics. It was founded by producers Big Toxic and Nikky Schiller. Pictures taken in New Garage Club in Murcia, Spain.
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  • Born in Fortaleza, part of Ceará state, Sasha felt different at the age of 11. Later at 17 she would eventually leave her studies after years suffering from preconception. She began taking hormones to become more feminine and shortly after she ends up in prostitution. Sasha shows her body to possible clients passing by.
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  • Raíca was born in Várzea Alegre, in Ceará state. She began to feel different from other boys at the age of 8 but only at age of 20 she left parental home and went to São Paulo, where she would make the changes in her body. Raíca walks on the street while waving a handkerchief to a potential client who has just passed. To "meet" clients in this street, she must pay a commission to a woman who runs it.
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  • Sasha Martory, Lara Santos, Raíca Soares. The three friends exchange messages with clients while making the upload of their photos to a social network page. Their main clients are men who seek them alone while women are always accompanied.
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  • Lara Santos and Raíca watch a tv program moments before they go out to the street where they usually work.
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  • Raíca was born in Várzea Alegre, in Ceará state. She began to feel different from other boys at the age of 8 but only at age of 20 she left parental home and went to São Paulo, where she would make the changes in her body. Raíca opens the lock that keeps the door to her room closed, in a house in which live several "girls".
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  • The message "dress up" is written in a  condom that awaits intact  on the ground. To "meet" clients in this street, they must pay a commission to a woman who runs it.
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  • Raíca was born in Várzea Alegre, in Ceará state. She began to feel different from other boys at the age of 8 but only at age of 20 she left parental home and went to São Paulo, where she would make the changes in her body. Raíca talks with a possible client.
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  • Karol talks with a possible client, but ends up not accepting since he offers a very low value. Campinas in the dress code requires showing more body, unlike what happens in São Paulo. To "meet" clients in this street, they must pay a commission to a woman who runs it.
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  • Lara Santos and Karol. Lara exchange messages with a client while Karol waves to a car. In Campinas the dress code requires showing more body, unlike what happens in São Paulo. To "meet" clients in this street, they must pay a commission to a woman who runs it.
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  • Lara Santos, Karol. The two transsexuals wait for a client to pass by. In Campinas the dress code requires showing more body, unlike what happens in São Paulo. To "meet" clients in this street, they must pay a commission to a woman who runs it.
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  • Raíca Soares was born in Várzea Alegre, in Ceará state. She began to feel different from other boys at the age of 8 but only at age of 20 she left parental home and went to São Paulo, where she would make the changes in her body. Raíca takes a break to freshen her makeup. To "meet" clients in this street, she must pay a commission to a woman who runs it.
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  • Some of Sasha's working shoes.
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  • Sasha Martory, Lara Santos. The two friends exchange messages with clients. Their main clients are men who seek them alone while women are always accompanied.
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  • Sasha Martory, Lara Santos. The two friends exchange messages with clients, who are mostly men, while they upload their photos to a social network page.
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  • Lara Santos, Sasha Martory. The two friends in a moment of complicity, moments before heading out to the street.
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  • Sasha Martory, Lara Santos, Raíca Soares. The three transsexuals help each other with makeup and hair, just before heading out to the street where they usually work.
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  • Sasha Martory,Raíca Soares,Lara Santos.The three transsexuals help each other with makeup and hair, just before heading out to the street where they usually work.
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  • Born in Fortaleza, in Ceará state, Lara discovered that was different at the age of 10, and at 17 she modified her body while taking hormone treatments. Lara looks in the mirror just before leaving home.
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  • Raíca was born in Várzea Alegre, in Ceará state. She began to feel different from other boys at the age of 8 but only at age of 20 she left parental home and went to São Paulo, where she would make the changes in her body. Raíca walks back home after her training session at the gym.
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  • Raíca was born in Várzea Alegre, in Ceará state. She began to feel different from other boys at the age of 8 but only at age of 20 she left parental home and went to São Paulo, where she would make the changes in her body. Two men smile at Raíca while she walks back home after her training session at the gym.
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  • Raíca was born in Várzea Alegre, in Ceará state. She began to feel different from other boys at the age of 8 but only at age of 20 she left parental home and went to São Paulo, where she would make the changes in her body. Raíca does some exercises at the gym.
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  • Raíca was born in Várzea Alegre, in Ceará state. She began to feel different from other boys at the age of 8 but only at age of 20 she left parental home and went to São Paulo, where she would make the changes in her body. Raíca watches the Brazilian team press conference while she runs on the treadmill at the gym.
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  • Raíca Soares was born in Várzea Alegre, in Ceará state. She began to feel different from other boys at the age of 8 but only at age of 20 she left parental home and went to São Paulo, where she would make the changes in her body. Raíca is watched by two men while walking to the gym where she goes 5 times a week.
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  • Athens, Greece - People waiting at a bus stop. The only advertisement in sight is one of a sex show. Greek economical crisis started in 2008. The so-called Austerity measures imposed to the country by the “Troika” (European Union, European Central Bank, and International Monetary Fund) to reduce its debt, were followed by a deep recession and the worsening of life conditions for millions of people. Unemployment rate grew from 8.5% in 2008 to 25% in 2012 (source: Hellenic Statistical Authority). <br />
Bruno Simões Castanheira
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  • An onlooker pray during street procession. Onlookers can receive blessings from warriors during the procession. Every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off. The religious festival in Phuket, Thailand, lasts for 10 days, during which sacred rituals take place in the many Chinese shrines and temples. Walking on fire and climbing ladders with bladed rungs barefoot are two of several rituals believed to bring good fortune. The main purpose of the festival, however, is spiritual cleansing and merit-making.<br />
Participants of the festival adhere to a strict vegetarian diet for at least three days. This is one of the 10 main rules meant to ensure good hygiene and inner peace. Sex, alcohol, and meat are strictly forbidden. As cleanliness is considered to be of paramount importance, menstruating and pregnant women are not supposed to attend any of the rituals. The festival rules also call for impeccable mental and physical behavior as well as white clothing.
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