Every year in Lopburi, Thailand, the Monkey Buffet Festival transforms the grounds of the historic Phra Prang Sam Yot temple into an enormous feast for thousands of local macaques. Held on the last Sunday of November, the event features long tables piled high with nearly two tons of food — including watermelon, pineapple, durian, bananas, coconut, vegetables, and sweets. The festival begins with a colorful opening ceremony featuring dancers in monkey costumes, followed by the grand unveiling of the lavish buffet. Hundreds of macaques quickly descend on the spread, climbing fruit pyramids and scrambling across tables in a chaotic but celebrated feeding frenzy. The tradition started in 1989 when a local businessman, with support from tourism authorities, organized the first buffet as a way to thank the monkeys for their role in attracting visitors to Lopburi. What began as a small gesture has grown into one of Thailand’s most unique and popular cultural events, drawing international tourists and media attention every year. The festival has become a beloved symbol of Lopburi’s identity, celebrating the city’s famous monkey population that roams freely among its ancient temples.