14 insane images from a Thai festival where people pierce their faces with really large objects

As far as different cultures' traditions go, the vegetarian festival on the island of Phuket, Thailand, has to be one of the most extreme.

It is nothing like our vegetarian festivals.

The nine-day event, which first took place in 1825, is the pinnacle of devotion for many Taoist worshippers who celebrate with an elaborate procession and by piercing their faces with a variety of objects - from parts of unused vehicles to machine guns.

The result is an opulent yet somewhat gruesome spectacle that is not for the faint-hearted.

Warning: Graphic images.