Locals pierce their cheeks with swords, skewers and even umbrellas before firecracker parade

Taoist devotee rams seven swords through his cheek at Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Devotees light firecrackers as they join parade at Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Devotees have cheeks pierced with swords and knives at Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Rare Roman gladiator swords unearthed In ancient arms cache